Ernest “The Hawk” Rupolo appeared in court to confront Vito Genovese and the Daily News called “Hawk” Rupolo “a thug as predatory as the bird he was named after.” The judge conducted his own line of questioning who didn’t mince words about who he was. What did Rupolo do for a living? “Stabbing, killing, burglary or any other crime I got paid for.” “Murder for money?” “Yes.” Rupolo also gave his address as the Bronx county jail where he was being held for his protection and to await his sentencing.