Crime & Safety

Killer's Court Sentencing Will Have Extra Security

Giuseppe Tedesco to be sentenced in Sussex County Court on Wednesday.

As convicted Hopatcong killer Giuseppe Tedesco awaits sentencing in Sussex County court this week, security measures will be heightened, according to a recent news report.

Tedesco, a 27-year-old Hopatcong resident, was found guilty in January of first-degree murder, possession of a gun and possession of a gun for unlawful purposes after the shooting death of Alyssa Ruggieri. He could face life-plus-20 years in state prison.

Ruggieri, who was 22 at the time of her death inside a Durban Avenue home on March 27, 2010, 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.

The trial, which was held in Newton, was, at times, heated, particularly when a fight broke out in the courtroom when Tedesco allegedly cursed at jurors and Ruggieri's brother.

Find out what's happening in Hopatcong-Spartawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tedesco has not yet decided if he will address the court before being sentenced on Wednesday, The Star-Ledger reported, but extra sheriff's officers will be on duty both inside and outside the court. Courtroom spectators will also be scanned before entering the room and will have to pass through standard screening machines, the newspaper reported.


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