The Unfolding Saga of Nicholas Rossi: Flight, Fake Death, and Convictions

Nicholas Rossi, a Rhode Island man, is set for sentencing in Utah after faking his death to avoid rape charges. Originally identified through a DNA kit, Rossi faces multiple rape convictions. An extradition from Scotland followed after his arrest, and his case highlights efforts to clear Utah's rape kit backlog.

Nicholas Rossi, a man from Rhode Island who allegedly faked his own death to escape rape charges, is due for sentencing in Utah. Convicted of raping two women in 2008, Rossi faces five years to life in prison. His sentencing is the result of a prolonged investigation and use of decade-old DNA evidence linked to Utah's initiatives to clear rape kit backlogs.

In a bizarre twist, Rossi was declared dead online in 2020, but doubts lingered. Eventually, he was found alive in Scotland, arrested, and extradited to Utah. Authorities recognized Rossi through his distinctive tattoos, reaffirming doubts about his alleged demise.

Maneuvering under various aliases, Rossi has faced multiple legal challenges beyond Utah. His story is one fraught with deception and evasion, as Rossi's extensive criminal history also involves fraud charges in Ohio.

(With inputs from agencies.)