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Guilty Verdict Returned in Hopatcong Murder Trial

Giuseppe Tedesco could face life-plus-20 years in state prison.

 

Giuseppe Tedesco was found guilty of first-degree murder by jurors Thursday for the shooting death of Alyssa Ruggieri as a six-week trial came to a close, according to New Jersey Herald.

Tedesco, a 27-year-old Hopatcong resident, was also found guilty of possession of a gun and possession of a gun for unlawful purposes. He could face life-plus-20 years in state prison, New Jersey Herald reported.

Tedesco's trial for the shooting death of Ruggieri, who was 22 at the time of her death inside a Durban Avenue home on March 27, 2010, began Dec. 4. Ruggieri was shot six times in various places, including in the temple, nose, chin, hand, chest and abdomen. Ruggieri and Tedesco were friends, according to court proceedings. A .25-caliber handgun, allegedly used, was found covered in blood in Tedesco's car the night of the shooting.

The trial, which was held in Newton, was, at times, heated, particularly when a fight broke out in the courtroom Wednesday afternoon. Earlier in the trial, Tedesco claimed Ruggieri's death was an accident and said the gun that killed her was, at one point, pointed at his own face.

Correction: An earlier version of this story said Tedesco could face up to 20 years in prison.

Related Topics: Alyssa Ruggieri and Giuseppe Tedesco

Kelly

1:17 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013

It's life PLUS 20 years, not just 20 years. Please fix your story.

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JS

2:40 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013

and how about another 20 for making threats towards the victims family!
RIP Alyssa so glad this part of the nightmare is over for her family.

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Erica

3:54 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013

Thank you Jurors! and after that outburst from "IT" I hope they seriously see they gave 100% right verdict and feel good about their choice.

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Roseanne Marie S.

3:00 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013

I just watched the video of the verdict and his outburst and I agree 100%. If there was any doubt in the jurors minds as to their guilty verdict, it's gone now. It gives us a glimpse into his rage that night. Alyssa's family has suffered so much and this verdict should have brought them a little peace. But instead once again they have to withstand Mr. Tedesco's violent rage and hear him threaten to kill their son after he took their daughter. He is very sick and right where he belongs.

Rest easy Alyssa, justice is done. We will never forget you.

jazzman

3:54 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013

And another 20 yrs for lying in court,also life equals about 20yrs this sounds like the original plea deal,so 40yrs minus some good time,thats about 30yrs,..this guy should see the light of day when hes about 60yrs old,ok even if it never worked or deterred anything we might need to bring back the death penalty for these the cold blooded killers

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The Watcher

7:40 am on Friday, January 11, 2013

Believe he is facing life +20 wondering if that includes (don't think so) the charges he is going to face concerning the altercation he had with the officers. One officer apparently broke his leg and had a slight concussion. Way to act right before the sentence is handed down.

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Jack Schaeffner

4:51 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013

Jazzman - If I'm not mistaken this guy is getting Life + 20 and no parole........the dope turned down a 30 year with paraole after 25 plea deal....unless in a body bag this dirtbag is not getting out.......(I hope)

Revolution

7:40 am on Friday, January 11, 2013

This was the most stupidest defense claim that I ever heard. Someone on youtube even went off on this guy as well. Just google Guiseppe Joseph Tedesco Shame.
Those keywords will get you to this guys excellent opinion

Lets hope he is not allowed to appeal

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jazzman

3:00 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013

now if he had been killed with 5 or 6 shots to the head and she survived with only the shot to the hand, now we/she would have self defense that whole family is confused...appeal process automatic and built into the system,hes going to need another lawyer though and lots of cash im guessing 100....dont forget still needing to protect that constitutional rights thing........................gag

Wendy Sutton

3:00 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013

I am so happy that the family has closure and this animal is where he should be!

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Jack Schaeffner

3:00 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013

I agree, a stupid and very embarassing defense for a man, but then he is not a man,
he is garbage as is his family for the way they behaved at this trial. Just shameless. I believe I read he was being transfered to state prison pending the sentencing in March. Thats pleases me, very happy to get him out of my County. Guiseppe, your 15 minutes of fame is over, enjoy the rest of your pathetic life!

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The Watcher

5:43 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013

I hope they make him payback every penny he got in "disability" and every dime it is going to cost the taxpayers to keep him in jail. I don't know if they can but I hope Alyssa's family sues him for violating their daughter's Constitutional right to life. Somehow I don't think he will be so tough in a State Facility. Hope he gets an appropriate cell mate. Anyone know if it's true that his last cell mate was going to testify against him, but died before he could?

NickMinaj

11:29 am on Sunday, January 13, 2013

Where can you see the video of the verdict?

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