Man Accused of Shooting and Killing Mastic Beach Resident, Fleeing State
Joseph Scalafani, a 34-year-old resident of Mastic Beach, has been charged with the shooting death of another local resident, 32-year-old Alex Smith, and subsequently fleeing the state, as announced by the Suffolk County District Attorney on Tuesday, July 11.
According to the investigation, Scalafani allegedly violated a restraining order on May 13, 2023, when he approached his ex-girlfriend, demanding her assistance in arranging a meeting between him and Smith.
In a disturbing turn of events, Scalafani brandished a black handgun and pointed it at the woman, threatening to shoot her if she attempted to flee, according to the DA's Office.
Approximately a week later, on May 20, Scalafani's ex-girlfriend and Smith were at Linsa Torr's Place, a local dive bar in Mastic Beach. Around 2 a.m., as the two left the establishment, Scalafani allegedly ambushed them in the parking lot.
In a brutal act, he opened fire, striking Smith multiple times in the back and torso. The DA's Office reported that, after Smith collapsed to the ground, Scalafani proceeded to shoot him twice more at close range, this time in the head.
Tragically, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initially escaping in a vehicle, Scalafani later crashed and abandoned it, continuing on foot.
During the course of the investigation, it was uncovered that Scalafani's brother, 30-year-old Daniel Scalafani, and a friend, 61-year-old Jeffrey Mercury, assisted him in evading capture. They allegedly provided him with money and misled the authorities regarding his whereabouts.
Furthermore, Mercury stands accused of driving Scalafani to Virginia to aid in his escape.
After an extensive search, Scalafani was apprehended in Florida on Sunday, June 4. He was subsequently extradited to Suffolk County.
"This defendant ran but could not hide," stated Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, referring to the event as "an execution-style murder." Tierney emphasized that Scalafani's arrest was inevitable and only a matter of time.
At his arraignment, Scalafani faced several charges, including second-degree murder, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, four counts of first-degree criminal contempt, and one count of second-degree criminal contempt.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, August 23.
Daniel Scalafani and Jeffrey Mercury were both charged with hindering the prosecution, felonies that carry serious consequences. Their court appearances are scheduled for late July.