Archive · 15 Aug 2025
Rhode Island Man Found Guilty of 2008 Rape in Utah
A man named Nicholas Rossi, who pretended to be dead to avoid rape charges, has been found guilty.
A jury in Utah decided he was guilty of a rape from 2008.
He was caught after authorities used DNA evidence from an old case.
Rossi was actually found in Scotland, using a fake name.
He is now facing more charges and has been using a wheelchair and oxygen tank in court.
The trial involved testimony from the victim and her parents.
The case started when police were looking for him, after he was connected to a cold case from 2008.
Nicholas Rossi, a Rhode Island man who faked his death, was found guilty of 2008 rape.
The jury found Rossi guilty after a three-day trial in Salt Lake County, Utah.
Rossi declined to testify and faces sentencing on October 20th.
He was identified through a DNA rape kit and arrested in Scotland.
Rossi used multiple aliases and is also facing other charges.
- Who
- Nicholas Rossi, the defendant, and the victim, a former girlfriend.
- What
- Nicholas Rossi was found guilty of rape.
- When
- The verdict was announced on Wednesday.
- Where
- The trial took place in Salt Lake County, Utah.
- Why
- Rossi was charged after DNA evidence linked him to a 2008 rape case.
Prosecution's View
Defense's View
Motive for the Rape
Prosecution's View
Rossi used charm to exploit a vulnerable woman.
Defense's View
The victim made up the story for revenge.
- Defendant
- Nicholas Rossi (also known as Nicholas Alahverdian)
- Charges
- Rape
- Location of Trial
- Salt Lake County, Utah
- Verdict
- Guilty
- Sentencing Date
- October 20th
- Other Charges
- Another rape charge in Utah County and fraud charges in Ohio.