Guilty Verdict in Salt Lake County
On August 14, 2025, Nicholas Rossi, 38, was found guilty of first-degree felony rape in Salt Lake County, Utah, following a three-day trial. The conviction stems from a 2008 sexual assault of a former girlfriend. Rossi, who declined to testify, faces a sentence of five years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for October 20. He is also set to face another rape trial in Utah County in September.
Allegations of Faking Death
Rossi, legally named Nicholas Alahverdian, was charged in 2018 after DNA evidence from a decade-old rape kit identified him. In 2020, an online obituary claimed he died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but authorities in Rhode Island doubted his death. Rossi was arrested in Scotland in 2021 while receiving COVID-19 treatment, recognized by his distinctive tattoos. Extradited to Utah in January 2024, he claimed to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight, using multiple aliases to evade capture.
Details of the Assault
The victim, recovering from a traumatic brain injury in 2008, met Rossi through a Craigslist ad. After a whirlwind engagement, she testified that Rossi raped her in his bedroom after she drove him home. She alleged Rossi manipulated her into paying for dates, car repairs, a $1,000 loan, and engagement rings. Initially discouraged by her parents’ dismissive comments, she reported the assault in 2018 after learning of Rossi’s other rape accusation.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
Prosecutors portrayed Rossi as a manipulative figure who exploited a vulnerable woman. The victim and her parents testified about the assault and Rossi’s financial demands during their brief relationship. Rossi’s defense argued the accuser fabricated the rape claim out of resentment, claiming she was upset about funding their relationship and acted years later when Rossi gained media attention.
Community and Legal Response
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill praised the survivor’s courage in confronting Rossi, emphasizing her role in securing justice. The case highlights Utah’s efforts to address its rape kit backlog, which led to Rossi’s identification. Rossi appeared in court using a wheelchair and oxygen tank, maintaining his claim of mistaken identity throughout the trial.
