Jesse Rugge

Who is Jesse Rugge?

Jesse Taylor Rugge is one of the former members of Jesse James Hollywood's gang that helped in the murder of Nicholas Markowitz. Rugge was charged with helping in the kidnap and execution of Nicholas Markowitz.

His trial started in April 2002. He also tied Nicholas' hands together and put duct tape over his mouth right before his execution and helped Ryan Hoyt bury the body. In September 2002 Rugge was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after seven years. Rugge was incarcerated in Avenal State Prison for his part in Nicholas Markowitz's murder. His parole in 2006 was denied.

The mother of the victim, Susan Markowitz, has started a petition so that Rugge's parole is denied.

In the film, Alpha Dog, Jesse Rugge was portrayed as the character Frankie "Nuts" Ballenbacher by actor and musician Justin Timberlake.

As of July 2nd, 2013, Jesse Rugge was granted parole. On October 24th, 2013, Jesse Rugge was released from prison.