Joseph Scalafani, a resident of Mastic Beach, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Alex Smith. The incident occurred on May 20, 2023, when Scalafani ambushed Smith and his ex-girlfriend outside a bar in Mastic Beach. Scalafani fired multiple shots at Smith, striking him in the back and torso before delivering two close-range shots to the head as Smith lay on the ground. Following the shooting, Scalafani fled the scene but was later apprehended.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney commented on the case: “Today’s guilty plea closes a case where a life was senselessly taken and efforts to evade justice failed. Although it will not bring back Mr. Smith, the defendant and the two accomplices who aided his attempt to escape have all now been held accountable.” He added that any role in attempts to flee from a homicide would be met with serious consequences.
Scalafani's brother, Daniel Scalafani, and friend Jeffrey Mercury also pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution for assisting Joseph in fleeing New York after the murder. Both provided financial assistance and false information to law enforcement regarding Joseph's whereabouts. Mercury additionally drove Joseph to Virginia.
On June 4, 2023, Joseph Scalafani was arrested in Florida by Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office members and extradited back to Suffolk County on July 6, 2023.
Daniel Scalafani pleaded guilty on December 20, 2023. He is scheduled for court appearance on December 6, 2024. Jeffrey Mercury entered his plea on February 1, 2024, with his next court date set for November 21, 2024.
Joseph Scalafani entered his guilty plea before Justice Collins on November 12, 2024. He is expected to receive a sentence of 20 years to life imprisonment and is due back in court on January 21, 2025.
The prosecution team includes Assistant District Attorneys Elena Tomaro from the Homicide Bureau and Alexandra Guidarelli from the Major Crime Bureau. Detectives Thomas M. Palumbo and Brendan O’Hara from Suffolk County Police Department Homicide Squad conducted the investigation.