KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, LouisianaJanuary 12th: Rideau Takes the Stand

January 12th: Rideau Takes the Stand

January 12, 2005
Reported by Theresa Schmidt

The state rested its case Wednesday afternoon and the defense began its side with defendant Wilbert Rideau himself taking the witness stand. Rideau is 62 years old now, but was 19 years old when the crime occurred. Rideau admitted to the jury that he killed Julia Ferguson but says he was a different person then. Rideau says he bought the gun and knife the day before -- not because he was planning a robbery -- but to protect himself. Rideau says he only decided to rob the bank after missing his bus home from work. Says Rideau, "I felt I needed a new life -- to get away from [Lake Charles] ... go somewhere and start over." Once in the bank Rideau says an incoming phone call led him to believe the police were on the way and caused him to panic. Rideau says if he had planned to kill the employees he would have done so inside the bank. Rideau says he planned to get out of town and drop the people off. Once parked along a rural road, Rideau says he shot his hostages after they tried to run off. Says Rideau, there was "no time to think. No thought. It was all impulsive. It was like everything was going to hell ... it happened so fast like a blur." Rideau says it all happened within 15 to twenty seconds. As well he disputes that Julia Ferguson ever begged for her life as well as other details in witness testimony. Rideau hopes the jury will decide he should be convicted of manslaughter -- instead of murder -- so that he can be freed from prison.

The state will no doubt conduct a lengthy cross examination Thursday.

Outside media that have been in town covering the trial this week include the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronical, Times Picayune and Associated Press.