Rafferty sentenced to the mandatory, life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
Michael Rafferty, 31-years-old, has been sentenced to life in prison with no possibilty of parole for 25 years. He also received 10 years each for kidnapping and sexual assault to be served concurrently with his life sentence.
At his sentencing, when given the opportunity to speak Rafferty only said, “I firmly stand behind not guilty.”
Remember 8-year-old Victoria "Tori" Stafford.
The jury in the Tori Stafford murder trial returned a verdict Friday evening of guilty on all charges against Michael Rafferty including first-degree-murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and kidnapping.
Rafferty displayed little emotion as the verdict was read, only closing his eyes. Stafford’s family cried as they heard the verdict.
The trial lasted just over two months and started March 5th, there were 62 witnesses in the trial and close to 200 pieces of evidence.
Rafferty will be sentenced May 15th, but it is a formality as the guilty verdict carries a mandatory life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years. Tori Stafford’s family will have an oppportunity to read victim impact statements at the sentencing.
McClintic is already serving a life sentence - will Rafferty be joining her?
A London, Ontario jury that has been sitting in the Michael Rafferty trial began its deliberations today.
Michael Rafferty, who pleaded not-guilty, was charged with first-degree murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and kidnapping of Tori Stafford, an 8-year-old Woodstock girl.
If found guilty of first-degree murder, Rafferty, 31, would face life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
Judge Thomas Heeney instructed the jury today that they should review the facts of the case, and not let any feelings they have for the innocent child get in the way of a proper verdict. Earlier in the trial the jury was shown very graphic and disturbing autopsy photos of a beaten and half-naked Tori Stafford who was killed by a hammer.
Rodney Stafford relieved the trial is almost over.
Closing arguments in Rafferty trial delayed until Monday
Earlier this week the defence in the Tori Stafford murder trial wrapped up its case, bringing a close to difficult and emotional testimony for the Stafford family.
There has not been such a disturbing and gut wrenching trial in recent Canadian history that has captured the public’s hearts and minds.
The crime was so violent, and the victim, 8-year-old Tori Stafford, was so innocent that it reminded parents around North America that no one is safe and that even in a quiet city such as Woodstock, Ontario anything can happen.
Charity Spitzig was Michael Rafferty's escort.
Crown lawyers wrapped up their eight week case against accused killer Michael Rafferty this past week. However a big question is how did they go after the man who they think kidnapped, raped and killed 8-year-old Tori Stafford from Woodstock, Ontario?
The trial began on March 3, 2012 and the beginning of it was wrapped around a previous confession made by Rafferty’s former girlfriend, Terri-Lynn McClintic. While serving her life sentence for the murder of Stafford, she confessed to a counsellor that she had killed Stafford, not Rafferty. This statement contradicts what she told police upon arrest.
Despite the turn of events, the crown showed no hesitation when they walked into the courtroom for the start of what has been a long and disturbing trial.
For the past two months, they have presented numerous pieces of evidence such as photos, forensics and surveillance videos. However the big break came when the most important piece of evidence was brought forward; a gym bag found in Rafferty’s car with mixed DNA of him and Stafford.
Loading ...
By Ty Treadwell John Wayne Gacy devoured a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken washed down with Diet Coke prior to his execution. Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh had two pints of mint chocolate chip ice cream. And Aileen Wuornos, the serial killer played by Charlize …
(No Comments)
Recent Comments