diff --git a/lib/capistrano/unicorn/utility.rb b/lib/capistrano/unicorn/utility.rb
index 3870ac8..d31f8ef 100644
--- a/lib/capistrano/unicorn/utility.rb
+++ b/lib/capistrano/unicorn/utility.rb
@@ -40,11 +40,7 @@ def working_directory(path); end
     # Check if a remote process exists using its pid file
     #
     def remote_process_exists?(pid_file)
-      begin
-        execute(*try_unicorn_user,  'kill', '-0', get_unicorn_pid) if within(fetch(:app_path)) { test('[', '-e', pid_file, ']') }
-      rescue SSHKit::Command::Failed => e
-        false
-      end
+      test("[ -e #{pid_file} ]") && test("ps -p `cat #{pid_file}` > /dev/null")
     end
 
     # Stale Unicorn process pid file