Cat run over with lawnmower
Hempstead, NY (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Apr 25, 1996
County: Rockland
Disposition: Not Charged
Case Images: 1 files available
Person of Interest: Shaun Alexander
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Alexander, age 23 a Hofstra University student confessed to the police that he killed, cut up and buried a classmate from Massachusetts. Under NY law, Alexander, could face the death penalty if a jury finds he killed Max Kolb while committing another felony. Prosecutors say Alexander committed two felonies while killing Kolb; sexual assault and kidnapping.
The investigation into the death of Max Kolb, a 20-year-old film major from Kingston, MA had revealed that Alexander has a dark side that worried friends as early as high school.
"Shaun told me that in high school, he ran over his cat with his lawn mower because he didn't like the cat", senior Kristen Donahue said.
On April 25, 2001, Alexander lured Max Kolb to a motel and flew into a rage when his sexual advances were rejected. He killed and dismembered Kolb, wrapped his body in plastic, and carted the corpse around in his Land Rover for days before stashing him at a storage facility and finally burying him. Alexander's defense attorney Eric Naiburg is using psychological defense claiming a bipolar disorder.
Alexander grew up in Georgia, the son of a wealthy investment banker. He was in the drama club and on the student newspaper at North Springs High School. Generally however, Alexander was picked on as a geek. He was chubby, preppy, awkward and odd, friends stated.
At college, Alexander was notorious for his flashy clothes, new cars and a $3,000 a month allowance from his parents. He outfitted his off-campus apartment with a 61-inch TV, DVD player and surround sound. He also had disco lights, a smoke machine and a green leather sofa.
Alexander's time at Hofstra was also marked by a hazing scandal in April 1998 that got him booted from his dorm and placed on academic probation.
Alexander was never charged with animal abuse.
Case UpdatesJanuary 6, 2003: Alexander pleads guilty to murder and kidnapping charges. Alexander plead guilty to 1 count of 2nd degree murder and 1 count of 2nd degree kidnapping. He will be sentenced on March 11. It is expected he will receive 25 years to life on the murder charge and 5 years on the kidnapping charge. The sentences will run concurrently.
Alexander's defense attorney, Marc Gann said the plea agreement give Alexander the chance to be treated for his mental disorders. Despite a history of mental illness, Alexander was found competent to stand trial in November, 2002. | | Update posted on Mar 11, 2003 - 9:11AM |
References- The Boston Herald
- The New York Times
- The New York Post
- South Coast Today
- The Nassau County District Attorney's office
- The Atlanta Journal Constituion
- The Macon Telegraph
- Daily Rotten
- HEC Hofstra University News
- The Beaufort Gazette
- 4 WNBC news
- ABC News 7
- Online Athens
- Newsday
- WCBS News Radio 880
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