“Man Accused of Faking Death Denies Charges in Utah Rape Case, Claims Mistaken Identity: Nicholas Rossi”

Accident – death – Obituary News :

Suspect Denies Faking death and Fleeing U.S. to Avoid Rape Charges

A man accused of faking his death and fleeing the U.S. to avoid rape charges in Utah appeared in court on Tuesday and vehemently denied the allegations against him. Nicholas Rossi, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, is facing charges for the rape of a 21-year-old woman in Orem, Utah, back in 2008. After years of evading authorities, Rossi was finally extradited from Scotland earlier this month to face trial.

A New Identity and a Strong Denial

During the court appearance, Rossi identified himself as Arthur Knight Brown and claimed that the allegations made against him were “complete hearsay.” Speaking with an apparent British accent, he refuted the accusations and dismissed the idea that he was not using his true name.

A Decade of Delayed Justice

The delay in identifying Rossi as a suspect in the rape case was due to a backlog of DNA test kits at the Utah State Crime Lab. It wasn’t until a decade later that he was finally connected to the crime. Now, at 36 years old, Rossi finds himself facing the consequences of his alleged actions.

A Difficult Court Appearance

Appearing via video from jail, Rossi wore an oxygen mask, making it challenging to understand him at times. Deputy Salt Lake County attorney Tamara Basuez confirmed that Rossi had not admitted his true identity or birthdate since returning to Utah.

Awaiting Trial

Rossi remains in jail without the possibility of posting bail in the Orem case. A detention hearing has been scheduled for January 26th to further assess his situation. The judge also emphasized the appointment of a lawyer for Rossi, noting that his current attorney did not receive notice of Tuesday’s hearing.

A Troubled Past

Rossi grew up in foster homes in Rhode Island, where he gained notoriety as a vocal critic of the state’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families. In the past, he made headlines when he claimed to be suffering from late-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma and was given only weeks to live. However, an obituary published online declared his death on February 29, 2020.

Multiple Aliases and an International Arrest

Prosecutors revealed that Rossi had used at least 10 different aliases over the years, further complicating his case. In December 2021, his run from the law came to an end when he was recognized by someone at a Glasgow hospital in Scotland while being treated for COVID-19. Disputing his true identity, Rossi insisted he was an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight and had never set foot on American soil.

The Extradition Battle

After a lengthy court battle, Judge Norman McFadyen of Edinburgh Sheriff Court ruled in August that Rossi’s extradition could proceed. Describing Rossi as “dishonest and deceitful” as well as “evasive and manipulative,” the judge cleared the path for his return to the U.S. to face trial.

As this complex and intriguing case continues to unfold, the spotlight remains on Nicholas Rossi, a man accused of faking his death and evading justice for over a decade. With a contested identity and serious charges against him, the upcoming trial will undoubtedly shed light on the truth behind these allegations.

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