Defense: Murderer's Court Appearance a 'Safety Issue'

Guiseppe Tedesco’s defense believes he shouldn’t be present at his sentencing for the murder of Allysa Ruggieri because it may be dangerous for him to be in the courtroom, according to njherald.com.

The defense, along with the prosecution and 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.

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

The state Supreme Court will hear oral arguments from both sides during the April 29-30 court session.