Nicholas Rossi: The Disguise of a Fugitive Unraveled in Court

In the captivating case of Nicholas Rossi, previously known as Arthur Knight, a series of theatrical courtroom revelations led to the unmasking of the fugitive. Accused of rape and identity deception, Rossi's confusing narrative teetered between denial and admission, with serious charges looming as he faces two upcoming trials.

Nicholas Rossi first came to public attention in the UK following his arrest in December 2021, amid allegations of rape that had surfaced in the United States. The story began when I encountered him at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in February 2022, where he claimed to be Arthur Knight, an Irish orphan, vehemently asserting that he was the victim of mistaken identity. Rossi, confined to an electric wheelchair and donning a three-piece suit, employed a raspy voice through an oxygen mask, creating a theatrical scene that appealed to reporters eager to capture his story.

Just hours after our initial introduction, Rossi reached out to me via phone, setting in motion a complex exploration of his claims for a forthcoming podcast in the Strange But True Crime series on BBC Sounds. The narrative of Nicholas Rossi first hit headlines after his arrest on a Covid ward in Glasgow, thanks to hospital staff recognizing his distinctive tattoos from a wanted notice issued by Interpol. Yet, despite his insistence of being someone else, Rossi claimed he could prove he had never set foot in America.

Weeks later, he appeared in a BBC studio, regaling his life story with his wife Miranda by his side. He painted a picture of a troubled upbringing in Dublin, claiming to have once survived the London Tube bombings, an event he misremembered. His tales were met with skepticism as he could not produce essential documents, such as a birth certificate or passport, leaving doubts lingering in the air.

Interestingly, my investigation revealed voices from the past, such as Mary Grebinski, who recognized Rossi from a sexual assault he committed in 2008, and his ex-wife Kathryn Heckendorn, who recalled the red silk pajamas he wore to court, underscoring a history of abusive behavior. Born Nicholas Alahverdian in 1987, he once had a prominent presence in Rhode Island as a child welfare campaigner before his supposed death was reported in 2020, giving rise to his fictional narrative.

However, this carefully constructed facade began to fray. A detective warned clergy not to proceed with memorial plans for someone who wasn’t dead, prompting an investigation that would ultimately lead police to Rossi in a Glasgow hospital during his near-fatal battle with Covid.

The Scottish legal system witnessed Rossi’s numerous antics as he employed theatricality in court, delivering reserved monologues and controversial claims that culminated in a sheriff deeming his narrative "implausible." Despite his charismatic performance, the truth had begun to surface.

In a shocking moment during an online bail hearing last October, Rossi abandoned his Arthur Knight persona, revealing himself as Nicholas Alahverdian, claiming he concealed his identity from those seeking to harm him. This admission hints at a long-winded saga that, while once filled with intrigue and farce, now bears the weight of serious accusations as he prepares to face two separate rape trials this coming August, maintaining his innocence throughout.