Facts of the Crime:
On the evening of December 4, 1978, Paul Scott, and his co-defendant, Richard Kondian, murdered James Alessi in his home. A witness, Charles Soutullo, claimed he was asked to participate in a scheme to rob and murder the victim, but refused. The victim, who knew both men, picked up Scott and Kondian and later returned with them to his home.
Alessi’s nude body was found on a sofa in his home on December 5, 1978. He was covered with blood and his hands and feet were tightly bound with electrical cord and telephone wire. Alessi had been beaten in the head, chest and on the arms. One blow to the head was so severe that it caused a compressed skull fracture. The cause of death was determined to be a result of the head injuries.
Evidence indicated a violent struggle took place and attempts were made by the victim to free himself. Throughout the home, there were broken articles and bloodstains were on the walls, furniture, curtains and floors. Scott’s fingerprints were found on various items throughout the home, including the neck of a broken vase and a bloodstained knife found on the sofa where the victim’s body was found.
After beating Alessi to death, Scott and Kondian rummaged through his house. They later entered his florist and jewelry shop with a key and seized most of the gold jewelry. They also stole Alessi’s car. Scott was apprehended in Sacramento, California, one month after the murder. At the time of his arrest, Scott had in his possession a golden bear charm that was identical to the one that belonged to the victim. Kondian was in Rhode Island when he learned of the warrant issued for his arrest. He surrendered to the Rhode Island police on December 6, 1978.
Scott was sentenced to death in Palm Beach County on December 4, 1979.
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