D.A. Bragg Announces Sentencing Of Alex Ray Scott For Brutal 2020 Murder On The Upper East Side


September 26, 2024

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr., today announced the prison sentence of ALEX RAY SCOTT, 28, to 22 years-to-life in state prison for fatally stabbing 64-year-old Kenneth Savinski in his Upper East Side apartment in January 2020. On September 9, 2024, SCOTT pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to one count of Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree. 

“Alex Ray Scott will serve a significant prison term for the brutal and senseless murder of Kenneth Savinski – a beloved, friendly person and respected churchgoer,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Mr. Savinski’s loss not only devastated his friends and family but shocked his tightknit community. Although we cannot bring Mr. Savinski back, I hope the resolution of this case offers his loved ones a sense of justice in their ongoing grief.”  

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, and as admitted in the defendant’s guilty plea, on January 27, 2020, SCOTT and Mr. Savinski were enjoying a night out together and decided to go to Mr. Savinski’s apartment, near East 83rd Street and Lexington Avenue. At approximately 11:30 p.m., SCOTT and Mr. Savinski entered Mr. Savinski’s apartment and while inside, SCOTT stabbed him with sharp objects, including a knife.    

Approximately two hours later, on January 28, 2020, SCOTT left Mr. Savinski’s apartment, wearing Mr. Savinski’s clothing items, including his jacket and shoes, and had multiple cuts on her hands.   

Later that afternoon, after being unable to reach Mr. Savinski, one of his friends went to his apartment to check in on him. At Mr. Savinski’s apartment, his friend discovered his body and called 9-1-1. When police officers arrived, they found Mr. Savinski’s body and recovered a knife. Mr. Savinski suffered wounds to his head and neck, including a broken hyoid bone, a slit throat and large, deep lacerations across his face and forehead. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  

On January 30, 2020, at approximately 9:00 a.m., SCOTT turned herself in at the Midtown North Precinct. SCOTT was arrested the following day and while arresting her, police officers recovered two of Mr. Savinski’s stolen credit cards from her possession.  

Assistant D.A. Joel Seidemann (Senior Trial Counsel) handled the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Erin Tierney (Chief of Trial Bureau 30), and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Former Deputy Chief of Trial Bureau 30 Shira Arnow, who previously handled the case and investigation, provided invaluable assistance in the prosecution of this case. She also collaborated closely with federal law enforcement officials in Oklahoma, developing and sharing evidence leading to the prosecution of their case against SCOTT, in which she was convicted of the murder of Oklahoma resident Robin Skocdopole.  

Homicide Squad), Detective Jason Andreula (formerly Midtown North Precinct) and Detective Roman Ilustre (formerly 19th Precinct Detective Squad). He also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar of the Northern District of Oklahoma.    

 

Defendant Information:

ALEX RAY SCOTT

Tulsa, OK

Convicted:

  • Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count
  • Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a class E felony, two counts

Sentenced:

  • 22 years-to-life in state prison

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