An American fugitive, Nicholas Rossi, who went to extreme lengths to evade justice by faking his death and fleeing to Scotland, has been found guilty of rape in the United States.

Rossi, who also went by the name Nicholas Alahverdian, was convicted of a 2008 sexual assault in Salt Lake County, Utah, after a three-day trial. His victim, referred to in court as MS, testified alongside her parents, recounting how their brief romance turned into a nightmare.

MS told the court she met Rossi online, got engaged within two weeks, but soon faced controlling behavior, financial exploitation, and verbal criticism. When she ended the relationship, Rossi forced himself on her in his apartment.

Jurors — four men and four women — deliberated for more than eight hours before reaching the guilty verdict. Rossi, who had earlier been seen chatting with his lawyers, showed no emotion when the decision was read.

The court also heard testimony from another woman, KP, who claims Rossi raped her in Orem, Utah County, the same year. She described how he used her credit card without permission, then attacked her when she tried to leave. This case is set for trial on October 17.

Rossi’s conviction marks a dramatic turn in a case that has captured headlines worldwide — from his fake death and life in hiding overseas, to finally facing justice in a US courtroom.