Fugitive Nicholas Rossi Convicted of Sexual Assault in Utah After Faking Death
Nicholas Rossi, who faked his death and used aliases, was convicted of sexual assault in Utah after extradition from Scotland, facing a potential life sentence.
Man who faked death to escape rape charges convicted in Utah
New York Daily News
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- Nicholas Rossi, a fugitive who faked his death and used multiple aliases, was found guilty of sexual assault in Utah following his extradition from Scotland.
- His elaborate scheme to evade charges included creating a false online obituary in February 2020, initially leading police to doubt his disappearance.
- Rossi's true identity was confirmed in 2018 through a decade-old DNA rape kit, which linked him to a 2008 rape, triggering an international search.
- After a three-day trial, Rossi was convicted of the 2008 rape and faces a potential sentence of five years to life in prison, with sentencing in October.
- Despite this conviction, Rossi is scheduled for another separate rape trial in Utah County in September, indicating ongoing legal challenges for the notorious fugitive.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present a neutral account of the Nicholas Rossi conviction. They avoid loaded language, factually report the trial's outcome, and include perspectives from both the prosecution and defense. The coverage provides relevant background on Rossi's alleged fake death and other legal issues without editorializing, focusing on verifiable facts and court proceedings.
"A Rhode Island man accused of faking his death and fleeing the United States to evade rape charges was found guilty Wednesday of sexually assaulting a former girlfriend in his first of two Utah trials."
CBS News"A Rhode Island man accused of faking his death and fleeing the United States to evade rape charges was found guilty Wednesday of sexually assaulting a former girlfriend in his first of two Utah trials."
ABC News"An American fugitive who faked his death and fled to Scotland to escape justice has been found guilty of rape in the United States."
BBC News"A man accused of faking his own death and fleeing the United States to avoid sexual assault and fraud allegations was convicted of rape in Utah on Wednesday, prosecutors said."
NBC NewsArticles (7)
Center (4)
FAQ
Nicholas Rossi was convicted based on DNA evidence linking him to a 2008 rape in Utah, and the court considered testimony about his manipulative behavior and control during the assault. The conviction followed a three-day trial.
Authorities confirmed Nicholas Rossi's true identity through a decade-old DNA rape kit from 2008 which matched his DNA, triggering an international search and his eventual extradition from Scotland to Utah.
Nicholas Rossi faces a separate rape trial scheduled for September in Utah County, indicating ongoing legal proceedings beyond the 2008 case for which he was recently convicted.
Nicholas Rossi faked his death in 2020 by creating a false obituary online and used multiple aliases, including a false identity in Scotland, to evade capture after being linked to sexual assault allegations.
Nicholas Rossi faces a potential sentence ranging from five years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for October 2025 following his conviction in the 2008 rape case.
History
- 1M4 articles