A Murder in Medford on ID is examining the 1999 murder of Brenda Ripoli, who was shot dead by her abusive husband, Frank Ripoli, at their home in Medford Lakes, New Jersey.
On April 8, 1999, Frank shot his 40-year-old wife once in the head and once in the heart as she tried to pack up her belongings in the bedroom of their house.
Their marriage was in turmoil, and Brenda was trying to leave with their six-year-old daughter, Sarah. Brenda had already been granted temporary custody of Sarah.
Years later, a grown-up Sarah spoke about hearing her mother scream and shout, “Frank, no!” before hearing a sound like two bricks smacking together.
The cops went to the home after receiving a 911 call from the house; the operator had heard only silence on the other end of the line. The police found Frank sitting beside his dead wife with a 9 mm handgun and a letter that blamed his wife for leaving him.
There was never any doubt that Frank was the killer, but the prosecution and defense teams would go on to argue whether the murder was premeditated or not.
Frank Ripoli had abused wife, Brenda Ripoli, for many years
The investigators found evidence that Frank was abusive and controlling toward Brenda. He allegedly forced her to commit sordid sex acts, which he videotaped to blackmail her into not leaving him. The cops said Frank kept the incriminating material in a safe deposit box at a bank.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelShortly after her death, Brenda’s family found a letter that she had written the previous year that appeared to predict her murder. Brenda had written, “To whomever gets this letter, my husband, Frank Ripoli Jr., has killed me. It was premeditated murder … He has threatened to kill me many times throughout our marriage … but tonight he threatened to shoot me if I don’t carry out an action I think dangerous.”
The letter continued, “Please prosecute him to the full extent of the law, and never let him near Sarah, our daughter.”
Frank’s defense team blamed his violent actions on his long-term addiction to the anti-anxiety drug Xanax.
Frank Ripoli pleaded guilty to killing Brenda Ripoli
Eventually, Frank brokered a deal with the prosecution whereby he agreed to plead guilty to aggravated manslaughter in exchange for an 18-year sentence. He was required to serve 15 years before being eligible for parole. He has since been released.
The case became well-known for outlining the difficulties women face in dealing with an abusive partner. In 2020, journalist Jan Hefler, who covered the story at the time, told Today, “This woman was so tortured and, at that time in society, could not find any way to escape. She knew she was going to die.”
Sarah Ripoli was raised by her maternal grandparents.
If you or anyone you know is suffering domestic abuse, please contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233) or follow the link to visit their website.
A Murder in Medford airs Saturday at 10/9c on Investigation Discovery.