Man Convicted of Brutally Beating Friend to Death with Cast-Iron Stove Grate

Ricky Colon sentenced to 25 years to life for second-degree murder in Oswego, New York

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered cast-iron stove grate, capturing the textured surface and dramatic shadows created by the harsh flash lighting, conceptually illustrating the violent nature of the crime.The brutal murder weapon used by Ricky Colon to kill his friend Rachel Allen exposes the extreme violence of this tragic crime.Oswego Today

Ricky Colon, 37, was found guilty by an Oswego County jury of second-degree murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and tampering with physical evidence in the death of 38-year-old Rachel Allen. Colon was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the brutal beating death of Allen, which the judge described as one of the most "brutal and disturbing" crimes he had ever seen.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing violent crime, mental health issues, and substance abuse in local communities. The judge's comments about Colon's lack of remorse and inability to be rehabilitated raise broader questions about the criminal justice system's approach to offenders who commit heinous acts of violence.

The details

On July 13, 2024, Colon brutally beat Allen to death with a cast-iron stove grate at his residence in Oswego, New York. The medical examiner determined Allen died from blunt force trauma caused by 58 external injuries and 13 internal injuries. Colon then moved Allen's body, burned her clothes, and called 911 claiming she had died of a drug overdose. After the killing, Colon recorded a series of "extremely bizarre" cellphone videos in which he was seen covered in blood, crying, and speaking incoherently.

  • On July 13, 2024, Colon killed Allen at his residence in Oswego.
  • In February 2026, Colon was found guilty by an Oswego County jury.
  • On April 15, 2026, Colon was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

The players

Ricky Colon

A 37-year-old man convicted of second-degree murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and tampering with physical evidence in the brutal beating death of his friend, Rachel Allen.

Rachel Allen

A 38-year-old woman who was beaten to death by Colon with a cast-iron stove grate at his residence in Oswego, New York.

Judge Armen Nazarian

The Oswego County Supreme Court Justice who sentenced Colon to 25 years to life in prison, describing the murder as one of the most "brutal and disturbing" crimes he had ever seen.

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What they’re saying

“The sheer violence required to inflict those injuries demonstrates an astonishing level of cruelty and defies comprehension.”

— Judge Armen Nazarian, Oswego County Supreme Court Justice

“The defendant who absolutely refuses to acknowledge his role in his own horrific actions is a defendant who can't be rehabilitated. His complete lack of remorse combined with his proven capacity for extreme, explosive violence makes him a profound and continuing danger to society and the community.”

— Judge Armen Nazarian, Oswego County Supreme Court Justice

What’s next

The judge's comments about Colon's lack of remorse and inability to be rehabilitated may prompt further discussions about criminal justice reform and the treatment of offenders with mental health and substance abuse issues.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of violent crime on local communities and the ongoing challenges of addressing the complex factors that can contribute to such horrific acts of violence.