Character Testimonials
The following paragraphs are letters of friends and family of Colin who showed support during his trial and are a true testiment to his character. Please note initials were used in place of their full names for privacy.
E.L.
"Growing up, Colin has been one of the most mature, emotionally intelligent individuals I have ever met. I have known Colin since he was bumped up from the sixth grade into my class, seventh grade ...
To me and many of his friends, Colin was our rock. I can honestly say Colin influenced me to get to where I am today. Currently I am a USAF officer in the 49th Civil Engineering Squadron. Colin was one of those rare individuals who not only cared about influencing the world for the better but realistically lived it. Despite everything going on in his life, he always remained strong and he always helped those around him always whenever they needed it. His emotional strength encouraged me to live for more than just myself. He showed me the importance of not letting the negative get to you, but instead focus on caring for those around you and living by the morals you preach. He also helped influence and foster a drive to always be better. To improve and work harder day by day. This is the guy who when he wanted to take AP Physics in high school despite not having taken the pre-requisite course because it didn't fit in his schedule, made it happen. This is the guy who dealt with our friend's emotional breakdowns in a responsible and mature manner. Encouraging them to get help when necessary and always staying there by their side. Many people went to him because he showed he cared but was strong enough to take steps back and make sure the individual got what they needed, and above all was always trustworthy. As a great listener he would listen to all your problems, be there for you, but never judge nor gossip afterwards.
In addition to his emotional strength one of his greatest attributes is his caring nature. I remember the first time I went over to his house, we spent the whole day playing with and looking after his siblings. At night we say in the living room with three of his younger brothers and his two sisters listening to Colin tell a story to his siblings. One he made up on the spot just because one of his sisters asked him to. The amount of love and caring he showed as a 13-year-old that night is something I will never forget.
... he and his [now ex-]fiance was one of the few people I met up with when I stopped by New York... prior to leaving for my duty station. Despite everything going on leading up to the trial, he was still the same Colin I always knew: strong, caring, and loving.
Colin Rideout is someone whom I have the utmost respect for. I can't say I know what happened but I can say this: Colin is one of the most moral, strong, and loving individuals I know. As a strong Catholic he not only talked the talk but walked the walk. He remained respectful to his faith and morals throughout his whole life. When I last saw him that had not changed. He still remains faithful to his morals and continues to be a stellar human being."
S.T.
"... Colin was the best man at my wedding and is still my closest friend and confidant.
I have known Colin since elementary school, but our friendship truly began to flourish during our time rowing for the Pittsford Crew team. It was on the crew team I saw Colin at his best. He was always able to motivate even the most broken down athlete and was able to push his fellow team mates to their physical limits... Colin [is] like family to my wife and I, and truly [is one] of the most kind hearted and most loving people that you will ever meet.
In my many years of knowing Colin I have known him to be one of the most strong-willed and caring individuals that you could ever meet. Out of our shared mutual friend group Colin was the first of us to have to grow up. He got a job in high school so he could be self-sufficient and so he could help take care of his younger siblings. To say Colin took care of his brothers and sisters is an understatement; he raised them and often put their needs above his own... It was because of this self-sacrifice that the Rideout children are some of the most well rounded and intelligent individuals that you will ever meet. Yet, though out [sic] all of his struggles and ordeals Colin never once complained or asked for a reward.
... Colin is family to myself, my wife and the Pittsford community."
A.G.
"As his youth minister during his junior and senior years of high school, I got to know Colin well. He has remained in touch over the years...
As a teenager, Colin was thoughtful in his actions, insightful in conversation, and kind in his treatment of others... He handled [responsibility] with grace, dignity, and a maturity of faith unusual in a teenager.
Although I never met Colin's parents, there were a few things that stood out to me about his family life. It was clear to me that he shouldered much more responsibility than usual for his younger siblings. I remember him talking about feeding and otherwise taking care of the littlest ones... I know for sure that Colin is a person who is motivated by love. Even as a teenager, he was in the daily habit of self-sacrifice for his younger brothers and sisters."
S.L.
"I met Colin when [he] was still in high school, and have watched this boy evolve into a man that I admire, love and want as a role model for my own 17 year old son. Upon meeting Colin, it is obvious that he is not only responsible, respectful and hardworking, but that he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. It didn't take long for me to fully understand Colin's priorities. As the oldest of seven children, he was the caretaker of his mother and his siblings and felt responsible for the well-being of all of them. At times I felt pity for him that was too young for such responsibility. However, ultimately, I had nothing but respect and admiration for him.
...I am 100% sure Colin is innocent of the crime of murder. I could not be more confident that if Colin did have anything to do with the murder of his father, he would have:
- Confessed to it.
- He would NEVER have brought his mother and his little brother into it.
- He would have taken the full punishment for his crime on his own, and protected them from anything that he could have.
I know this because this is what he has done for his entire life. Colin took care of his mother and his siblings. It is who Colin is."
A.K.
"... Colin is a very respectful and genuine person. He is friendly, responsible and someone I have admired since I first met him. I have never questioned his loyalty or character and I still stand by that today.
...his childhood was not the best and [ ] he had to take on a lot of family responsibilities at an early age. But you would never know, because [ ] he puts others needs before his own and does it because he is a truly good and caring person...
Everything in me believes that Colin is not the person that he was painted to be in this process. My heart and soul knows that he could not have committed the crimes that he was found guilty of."
B.E.
"...[Colin] is a lovely man, a kind, funny and caring person. You can see his caring personality especially recently, throughout this trial. Instead of letting it get him down and become focused on himself, he [has] taken care for his little sister while she needs someone. The little sister stays with them when she needs somewhere to get away for a while, and this shows how much Colin's brothers and sisters mean to him. I believe that Colin is a good man. I believe that he deserves a fair trial as he should not be locked a way [sic] for a crime I believe he could never have committed."
S.S.
"Colin's personality could be described as gentlemanly. His mannerisms have conveyed nothing but kindness since our introduction... Colin is a strong soul with not a trace of malice in him. He can be stern at times but never raises his fists or voice in anger... He is patient... rational and resilient to brash decision... it is my belief that a man displaying these characteristics would be incapable of committing the crimes of which he is accused."
V.T.
"... I have grown up alongside Colin my whole life. My mother and Colin's mother were best friends in college, and so it only makes sense that our families were close...
I remember at one of Colin's birthday celebrations, I was the only girl there. I remember feeling very out of place as I did not go to the same school as him and all the other boys there did. As I stood on the outskirts of the party, I remember Colin coming up to me and telling me that I was the only girl friend of his that he liked, and that I was the first person he wanted on his team for capture the flag... Colin was always very good at making me feel like I was a part of the family, and making me feel included.
Colin has always been a sort of caretaker, as have I so we were able to bond over that. I remember at one point I went over to his house to help him babysit all of the kids. I helped put the kids to bed, slept over and we made breakfast together for everyone in the kitchen. I made the scrambled eggs. I remember serving them to the kids and they complained that they weren't like Colin's. This stood out to me. This meant that Colin made breakfast for the kids often. I remember thinking that that was odd as even I didn't make breakfast for my siblings all the time. Looking back, I realize that with his mom's constant, seemingly incurable, migraines, and his father's constant absence Colin was forced into the position of caretaker for his siblings. But through all of that, he still emerged from his childhood as a down to earth, responsible adult.
... He has always been willing to explain things to me in such a way that made me more curious to learn about whatever particular subject he was talking about... Colin is an important factor to why I am as thorough with my research and as eager and curious to learn as I am today.
... Colin has always been there for his siblings... His younger siblings have always looked up to him as he was their role model... He provided a template for all the wonderful qualities present in his brothers and sisters; [h]e showed them selflessness, compassion, logic, determination, and wisdom amongst many other qualities... We all love Colin and we all need him in our lives."
E.A.
"... I would like to provide for you a bit of context for Colin - some background and some circumstances leading up to July 2016.
I got to know Colin very well over his lifetime... We spent many hours working through calculus and physics problems. We also met often as he prepared to enter the workforce, to invest for the future and to plan to marry and have a family of his own...
Colin has a very even temperament and a ready sense of humor. I can not recall ever seeing him angry or resentful. He has always been the local hero to his younger siblings and their ready protector when things became difficult at home - especially when Craig, his father, became abusive toward Laura and the children.
...Craig's manipulative, dismissive, demeaning and abusive behavior - over decades - [ ] drove Laura to seek refuge through a divorce. It is my understanding, as the divorce negotiations became difficult, that Colin tried to maintain a congenial relationship with both of his parents...
... it is because of this background that I remain unconvinced that Colin was directly involved with either the planning or the execution of Craig Rideout's death. Colin, by nature, is a peacemaker and a protector - not a murderer."
B.R.
"There are many traits exhibited by a SUNY Maritime cadet, honest, friendly, motivated, professional, and noble, to name a few. Colin Rideout is a man who exemplifies every single one of them and more.
I am a graduate of SUNY Maritime College. As a maritime cadet, I first met Colin in the summer of 2012, when I began my training prior to the start of the school year. Colin, having already completed a year of education before me, had taken it upon himself to give back and become a Squad Leader to help train the incoming freshman. Almost immediately, Colin stood out to me as a dedicated, yet caring leader, and over the course of the two week indoctrination period, and the year afterwards, we became close...
I have always known Colin to be a great man, someone whom I could always look up to, and someone with only the kindest intentions in his heart."
K.S.
"I came to know Mr. Colin Rideout in August of 2011 when he and my son... became roommates at State University New York Maritime College. Colin and my son became instant buddies. He had a matures, q]uiet and peaceful demeanor. Colin had a calming effect on my son as the first year at SUNY Maritime can be rather stressful...
He was a hard worker, respected member of The Regiment of Cadets and a member of the Rowing Team."
E.B.
"...[Colin and I] first met when we were both in college, and I became fast friends with him and his [now ex-]fiance... Colin is brilliant, and could talk for hours about philosophy and history. Colin served as the best man in my wedding and is a cherished part of our closest group of friends. He's like family to my husband and I... truly [one] of the best people you could ever meet. Throughout the time I've known Colin, I've learned of the many obstacles and circumstances he's had to overcome. He's been self-sufficient, a hard worker, and a caregiver to his younger siblings... he is truly one of the most loving, selfless people I have ever met. He's worked hard for everything he's earned -as he didn't get much from his parents. He was quickly identified as a leader in every job he worked, and is incredibly personable."
C.T.
"...We first met when we were both coxswains for the Pittsford Crew Men's Varsity team... He is easily one of the most intelligent people that I know. Growing up, we were aware that Colin's home life was less than supportive, he was forced to become responsible for himself at a young age. To emerge into young adulthood such a well-rounded and humble individual is a feat within itself, but Colin (being someone who has always cared about other people) also focused time and energy on raising his siblings while trying to support himself. He is honest and hard-working, and has earned everything he has accomplished. I have never experienced Colin being anything other than kind and considerate."
A.D.
"...I grew to know Colin as a fun loving, hardworking young man who loves his family dearly.
...he was always very put together, polite and a rational thinker... Colin is the only person from my friend group at school that ever laughed at my corny business related jokes... I was always impressed by how informed Colin was in every argument he was presented, and willing to listen to and understand where he might not know as much... That being said, he is the worst person to play games with, as you often not only find yourself losing, but staring down a very calm and collected man who was too polite to gloat.
...Colin is a kind, intelligent, strong hearted and caring young man who had, and still can, have a bright future[.]"
M.C.
"... I've witnessed the impact that Colin had on those he cares about. [He showed] dedication that you can't find in most people... the energy and will to engage fully in life on two fronts... sacrifice, patience, trust.
...I'll always look up to Colin [ ] as a model of devotion and enduring love."
E.G.
"... Colin has always been an even-tempered, noble, and compassionate person... It was always a joy to have him around... I have never doubted that he would be gentle, loyal and loving to my best friend. Through all my experiences with Colin, I truly feel I have an opportunity to completely understand his character. His friendship will be one I cherish for the rest of my life."
K.T.
"... When I first met Colin, my initial impression was that he had a great heart... His kind personality and his determination to complete everything he did to the best of his ability was something that was to be admired... Colin has always been a supportive, passionate, and peaceful man and I want nothing but the best for [ ] him... I hope that this letter helps you to understand the type of man that Colin Rideout is."
D.C.
"... When the news of Colin's alleged involvement was made known to me, I was in total shock and disbelief. Not this young man; not the young man that I know. I met Colin for the first time at our Catholic Parish... He was quiet and unassuming; a very pleasant, sometimes shy, young man...
I admired Colin for his unselfish nature... Colin is a very intelligent and smart young man. He is always willing to learn...
Colin is very respectful...
Colin loves board games. Two days before the trial ended, he was playing a board game with my 16 year old grandson... he was calm and playful.
Colin is a fine young man. He deserves a better life than what was handed to him as a result of the trial."
C.T.
"...[Colin] was best man at my son's wedding in December 2015. He has been in my home very often and ... we have gotten to know him quite well. In that time I have been impressed with many things about him. First and foremost was his work ethic, he worked for everything he had... This was not a child of privilege... he and his siblings were pretty much on their own and relied on each other. Quite often Colin was a surrogate parent, giving his brothers and sisters needed rides and making sure they were taken care of. His parents were conspicuously absent when compared to other Pittsford Crew families, but he was always respectful of them...
He is remarkably loyal to his friends and family...
Knowing Colin as I do I cannot believe that he would hurt anyone, especially a family member, and I am asking you to please consider that he may have been drawn into something already irrevocable by the time he arrived. He made the unfortunate decision to put his family first, at his own expense. He is a young man who does not wear his heart on his sleeve and while outwardly stoic, he is devastated, both by the death of his father and the subsequent charges brought against him.
I only write this in the hope that it will help you to know this young man a little better. I believe he has been portrayed as coldhearted and calculating, and I want you to know that is absolutely not the case."
J.M.
"... Colin is an upright and caring young man... Oldest of seven children, Colin. was the first grandson in our family, and I spent many days over at my sister's, holding him as a baby and playing with him as he grew... Colin and his brothers played well together, were good to each other, and were always very respectful of adults. Even as a young boy, Colin showed himself to be cheerful and optimistic, even when circumstances were difficult.
... When I stayed with my sister's family, Colin was making the best of the situation by being alert to his dad's wishes, helping his mom, and participating in school...
Colin has a heart for family. This is demonstrated by his great affection for and brotherly support of his siblings and young cousins. My husband and I had invited Colin down to visit us in Silver Spring, MD, on breaks during his freshman year at SUNY Maritime (2011-2013). At the time, we had three small boys. Colin did not let the visits be all about him but focused on the boys, playing with them, walking with them through museums, helping cheerfully to care for some other children with autism who visited us for the day. I could tell this was second-nature to him, from years of looking out for his younger six siblings...
Every occasion I spent time with Colin, I could see him growing into a mature and respectful young man with integrity and honesty...
In 2007, I heard an indepth [sic] account from his mother, Laura, of the injustices she and her children were enduring through Craig. I still remember standing in a hospital lobby in Salisbury, waiting for my husband to come out of surgery, and hearing details of the abuse she had not shared previously. Until Colin went to college, she would note that Craig was less abusive when Colin was around. What impressed me at the time was that it seemed to be merely because Colin was working out physically to be ready for the military. There was a physical threat from Craig always lurking and Colin's presence held him at bay without Colin doing anything. In fact, I have always been fascinated by Colin's matter of fact handling of the situation. He has rarely expressed his grief to me over his dad's behavior, maybe understanding that some of it was diagnosed as a chemical imbalance. He coped and moved forward with his own life...
His siblings look to Colin with the utmost respect and admiration. The older girls told me last year that everyone loves Colin. He was not just enjoyable but would inspire them to reach their personal goals, either in fitness or school or in pursuing jobs. This was not too surprising for me to hear since I knew he was the reason his brother finished Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout. Colin, also a Boy Scout, had told him that he wished he had gone for Eagle Scout and there was no way his brother should do less, supporting [him] every step of the way.
I continue to be proud of the young man Colin has become and I hope you can see before you someone of integrity and promise."
E.R., J.R., & P.R.
"Colin is our eldest brother and our role model... Colin is hardworking, caring, supportive, and motivated. He has always been there for us[.]
... [Colin] encouraged us to work hard and to develop our individual talents. He was a major help to Julia as she finished 10th grade. He pushed Alex to get a job and Elizabeth to create an art portfolio, as well as following her dreams to become an artist and writer."