Murderer's Appeal to Push Sentencing Approved

A sentencing for the killer of Alyssa Ruggieri scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, has been postponed, according to the Sussex County Court.

Guiseppe Tedesco, convicted of killing the Hopatcong Borough resident in her home nearly three years ago, faces life in prison plus 20 years.

The New Jersey Supreme Court granted the defense a Motion to Stay the Sentencing and granted leave to appeal the decision made by the Appellate Court earlier this week, that stated Tedesco would be required to be present at the sentencing, according to the Law Office of Iacullo Martino.

A court order provided to Hopatcong-Sparta Patch by the defense said all parties involved may provide supplemental briefs before April 2, and the appeal is scheduled for in-court argument on April 29 and 30.

Tedesco filed in February to not appear for his sentencing, but the request was denied by Judge Peter Conforti. After Conforti's denial, the New Jersey Appellate Court picked up the case for review, and on Monday upheld Conforti's decision.

Tedesco shot Ruggieri five times in her Durban Avenue home on March 27, 2010. He claimed self-defense during the trial and turned down a plea from the state which would have given him 30 years in prison.