Hopatcong Killer's Supreme Court Case Could Impact Victim's Rights

The state Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments April 29 and April 30 regarding the case of convicted Hopatcong killer Giuseppe Tedesco who is seeking to waive his right to attend his sentencing.

The defense, along with the prosecution and victim Alyssa Ruggieri’s family, was required to submit briefs explaining why Tedesco should not be required to be in court for his sentencing, where he faces potential life imprisonment for killing Ruggieri in March 2010.

In conjunction with Ruggieri’s family, the state argued the convicted murderer should be in court for his sentencing and said it was Tedesco that spurred the previous courtroom violence.

During jury deliberations in January, , Guiseppe Tedesco threatened Alyssa Ruggieri’s brother, Devin.

That threat led to a courtroom melee in which an officer suffered a broken leg trying to restrain Tedesco.

Defense Anthony Iacullo's bid for his client to be sentenced in absentia was rejected by Superior Court Judge N. Peter Conforti.

Richard Pompelio, executive director of the New Jersey Crime Victims’ Law Center told NJ.com that the ruling could have a profound effect on victims’ rights in New Jersey.

"This is the most important victims’ rights case to come out of this court in more than 20 years," said Pompelio.

It will be the first time such a case is being considered by the state’s highest court.

Tedesco was convicted of murdering Ruggieri in her home after shooting her five times. The defense claimed self-defense in the month-long trial.