Judge to issue key rulings in case of four accused of homicide of Craig Rideout

Democrat and Chronicle

THE PHOTO: Leaving the Monroe County Jail, Colin Rideout (L-R facing) his brother Alexander, Paul Tucci and Laura Rideout after being arraigned for the murder of Craig Rideout. Craig Rideout is the ex-husband of Laura and the father of the boys. Tucci is the boyfriend of Laura. FROM JAMIE: This is a good example of the not-so-glamorous part of the job, waiting outside the Monroe County Jail for the release of defendants in a murder case. What made this photo work for me is that all four defendants faces were visible with only their attorneys faces being obstructed.

Two sons of Craig Rideout, his estranged wife, and her boyfriend are scheduled to be tried next week for Rideout's strangulation death.

However, that could change Wednesday afternoon when a judge issues key pretrial rulings in the case.

The trial is expected to begin June 20, but some of the accused have asked to be tried separately. If granted, not all of the four defendants will go on trial next week.

Accused of second-degree murder are Rideout's wife, Laura Rideout; her boyfriend, Paul Tucci; and two sons whom Laura and Craig Rideout had together, Colin and Alexander Rideout.

State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Moran has a court session scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday when he is expected to release his rulings on whether to grant separate trials. Defense lawyers have also requested that some statements allegedly made by the accused be suppressed; Moran is also expected to issue his decision on those requests.

Craig Rideout, 50, disappeared in July; his corpse was found July 20 in a wooded area of Yates County, wrapped in a tarp. His face was disfigured; apparently whoever killed him tried to obscure his identity by dumping a corrosive liquid on his face.

RIDEOUT CASE: Complete coverage

Colin and Alexander Rideout were arrested at Mendon Ponds Park on July 21, allegedly disposing of items that investigators say could have been used in the homicide of their father.

Tucci and Laura Rideout were arrested separately from Colin and Alexander Rideout. Authorities allege that the couple bought materials at a Walmart — a tarp, bungee cords, and sulfuric acid — that were possibly used to mar Rideout's face and hide his body.

GCRAIG@Gannett.com