A man has been indicted for the lethal shooting of a 32-year-old father of four, in a parking lot in Mastic Beach, Long Island in May.
The victim, Alex Smith, 32, was a brother to former World Boxing Organization light heavyweight champion, Joe “The Beast” Smith.
Joseph Scalafani, 34, was indicted for the crime, and his brother Daniel Scalafani, 30, and friend Jeffrey Mercury, 61, were indicted for aiding in his escape from New York following the incident. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney mentioned that despite their efforts to help him flee, Scalafani’s capture was inevitable.
Smith and Scalafani reportedly shared a close past, as reported by Smith’s family members. Scalafani was known to have grown up with Smith and was even part of Smith’s older brother’s wedding party.
Authorities assert that Joseph Scalafani was breaching a family court protective order on May 13, when he requested that his ex-girlfriend organize a meeting with Smith.
Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison revealed that Smith was the current boyfriend of Scalafani’s ex-girlfriend, a relationship that might have been the source of conflict.
After this meeting, Scalafani purportedly threatened his ex-girlfriend with a handgun. About a week later, Scalafani allegedly opened fire on Smith as he was leaving a bar with the ex-girlfriend, causing fatal injuries.
Scalafani fled the scene but crashed his vehicle nearby and continued on foot. His brother and friend were alleged to have provided financial aid and false information to law enforcement to aid his escape, with Mercury reportedly driving Scalafani to Virginia.
Scalafani was captured in Florida at a bus stop on June 4 and extradited to New York on July 6. He is facing charges of second-degree murder, weapon possession, and criminal contempt, with court proceedings to continue on August 23.
Daniel Scalafani and Mercury were arraigned on charges of hindering prosecution. They both deny their involvement and are due to appear in court on July 21 and July 19, respectively.
