The Jury has wrapped up a fourth day in the Craig Rideout murder trial…still without a verdict.
Defendant Paul Tucci’s lawyer, Michael Schiano, says four days of deliberations are nothing for a trial of this complexity. Retired State Supreme Court Justice Joseph Valentino says it’s not unusual that the jury is taking its time and sending out frequent notes for guidance and to hear testimony re-read. He says there’s a vast amount of information that’s been given to them…and no direct evidence to examine.
Today the trial judge threw out motions from all four defense teams to declare a mistrial, reportedly because one of the jurors reportedly “changed her demeanor,” appearing visibly upset on Friday.
The judge ruled the juror had just been having a bad day and there’s nothing unusual in having an emotional reaction.
The jury has to find four separate verdicts on Laura Rideout, her boyfriend Paul Tucci, and her sons Colin and Alexander Rideout. All are accused of murdering rideout and disposing of his body. There were 700 separate pieces of evidence and nearly 60 witnesses during the trial.