← Back to United States casesCraig Rideout Disappearance Involving Laura Rideout, Colin Rideout, and others, Pittsford, New York, United States
Case Summary
Craig Rideout, a 50-year-old IT specialist from Pittsford, New York, was found murdered in July 2016 amid a contentious divorce and custody battle with his estranged wife Laura Rideout. The family was experiencing financial stress and internal conflicts, including disputes with their adult children. Craig was awarded primary custody of some of his children, while others lived with Laura and her new partner Paul Tui. On July 19, 2016, Craig disappeared and was later found dead with severe blunt force trauma and strangulation marks; his body was disposed of with acid to hinder identification. Laura, Colin, and Alex Rideout, along with Paul Tui, were arrested and charged with murder and tampering with evidence. Laura and Colin were convicted of second-degree murder, while Alex was acquitted of murder but convicted of evidence tampering. Paul Tui was acquitted of all charges. The case involved complex family dynamics, custody disputes, and alleged premeditation.
Basic Information
Country: United States
State/Province: New York, United States
City/Region: Pittsford
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Separated
Relationship Duration: Approximately 23 years (marriage)
Affair / New-Partner Context
Recorded context: New relationship started
Relationship timing: During separation
Incident Date: July 19, 2016
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Family introduction
- Friends circle
Relationship Stages:
- Married Living Together
- Separated
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Financial Issues
- Custody Dispute
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
Red Flags:
- Blame shifting or gaslighting behavior
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Motives:
- Revenge
- Avoid divorce settlement
- Jealousy
- Family pressure
Relationship Outcomes:
- Divorce filed
- Divorce finalized
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Deadbody recovery
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Family introduction
- Friends circle
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Separated
Approximately 23 years (marriage)
Stages
- Married Living Together
- Separated
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Blame shifting or gaslighting behavior
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Financial Issues
- Custody Dispute
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
- Revenge
- Avoid divorce settlement
- Jealousy
- Family pressure
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2016-07-19
Outcome
- Divorce filed
- Divorce finalized
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Deadbody recovery
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Craig Rideout Disappearance Involving Laura Rideout, Colin Rideout, and others, Pittsford, New York, United States
Truly Criminal - England · Original language: English
View original title
A Twisted Betrayal: The Murder Of Craig Rideout
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Domestic Violence
Pattern Analysis
The case involves a protracted and acrimonious divorce and custody dispute, with escalating domestic conflict and manipulation within the family. The estranged wife and adult children were involved in a premeditated murder and cover-up, reflecting deep family dysfunction and coercive control dynamics.
Investigative Notes
Police investigation included search warrants, forensic analysis of blood and DNA, cell phone tracking, and surveillance footage. Multiple arrests were made for murder and evidence tampering. The trial involved over 50 witnesses and nearly 700 pieces of evidence. Laura Rideout and Colin Rideout were convicted of second-degree murder; Alexander Rideout was convicted of evidence tampering; Paul Tui was acquitted. The investigation also reopened a separate inquiry into the death of Paul's wife.
Investigation Confusion
Uncertainty existed regarding the exact perpetrator of the murder, with defense attorneys blaming each other. Paul Tui was suspected by police but acquitted. The role of each family member was contested during trial and appeals.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Craig Rideout was killed in his basement after being lured there by Laura Rideout under the pretext of discussing a move. Colin, Alexander, and Paul were present. Craig was struck and strangled, then his body was moved and disposed of with acid. Evidence from surveillance, DNA, and purchases linked the accused to the crime and cover-up. The family dynamics, custody disputes, and financial stress formed the backdrop to the murder.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to ongoing custody battles, financial stress, family estrangement, and evidence of premeditated violence and manipulation.
Key Takeaways
This case highlights the lethal potential of domestic conflict escalating amid divorce and custody battles. Manipulation of children, premeditation, and coordinated cover-up efforts are critical warning signs. The importance of thorough forensic and digital evidence collection is underscored.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
Pending divorce, custody disputes, financial stress, estrangement from children, and public accusations on social media were early signals.
Which clues helped connect the case?
Blood evidence in the basement, missing person report, cell phone location data, surveillance footage, and purchases of cleaning and weapon materials were key clues.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
DNA on bloodied items, surveillance footage, cell phone tracking, purchase receipts, and witness testimonies were strongest evidence types.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Craig's sister Robin provided insight into family dynamics and Craig's character. Children and family members gave statements about Craig's last known movements. Police and investigators reported on evidence and arrests. No direct eyewitness to the murder was reported.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Follow-up reports included arrests, trial outcomes, appeals, and additional investigations into related deaths. The understanding evolved with forensic results and court verdicts.
What remained unclear?
Exact individual who delivered fatal blows remains disputed. Paul Tui's involvement is suspected but legally unproven. Family relationships remain fractured with ongoing emotional and legal consequences.