In the early morning hours of May 20, 2023, a violent encounter in a Mastic Beach parking lot left 32-year-old Alex Smith dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The incident, which shattered the quiet of the Long Island community, was the culmination of a dispute that had simmered for at least a week. Smith, a father of four, was ambushed as he and a female companion, the ex-girlfriend of the assailant, were leaving a local bar called Linsa Torr's Place at approximately 2:00 a.m.
The man
behind the trigger was identified as Joseph Scalafani, 34, also of Mastic Beach. A week prior to the fatal shooting, on May 13, Scalafani had confronted his ex-girlfriend, demanding she arrange a meeting with Smith. During that encounter, he reportedly brandished a handgun and threatened her. On the night of the murder, Scalafani lay in wait for Smith and his ex-girlfriend. As they exited the bar, he opened fire, striking Smith multiple times in the back and torso. After Smith collapsed, Scalafani shot him twice more in the head at close range, an act that authorities would later describe as an execution-style murder. He then fled the scene in a vehicle, crashing a short distance away before escaping on foot. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the shooting, a manhunt for Joseph Scalafani was launched. He managed to flee New York with the assistance of his brother, Daniel Scalafani, and a friend, Jeffrey Mercury. Both men provided financial assistance to aid in his escape and misled law enforcement about his location. Mercury also drove Joseph Scalafani to Virginia to help him evade capture. Despite their efforts, authorities tracked him to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he was arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office on June 4, 2023. He was subsequently extradited back to Suffolk County to face charges.
Joseph Scalafani was indicted on charges including Murder in the Second Degree and weapons possession. His brother, Daniel Scalafani, and friend, Jeffrey Mercury, were also indicted for their roles in helping him flee and were charged with Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree. In November 2024, Joseph Scalafani pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. In January 2025, he was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. His accomplices also pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution.
