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Crown Gives Opening Statement in Rafferty Trial

Monday, 5 March 2012 06:35

The jury in the Victoria Stafford case has already heard disturbing details of how the Grade 3 student was allegedly abducted and murdered. Crown attorney Kevin Gowdey, in his opening statement, warned the jury it will be a difficult story for them to hear. Heart FM's Blair Wilson is covering the trial, and says part of the opening day's proceedings were halted. "What was supposed to be evidence from the first witness and opening statements was interrupted and delayed for part of the morning and afternoon. Court reconvened just before 2:00 this afternoon where Justice Thomas Heeney said he will explain why the delay took place, in camera, tomorrow morning. He says the privacy rights of the jury were impeded." Eventually, Gowdey gave his opening statement, giving the jury some grim details surrounding Tori's death. Michael Rafferty sat expressionless as he listened to the statement. Rafferty, 31, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, sexual assault and kidnapping. 21-year-old Terri-Lynne McClintic has already been convicted of first-degree murder. Gowdey says it's not the jury's job to determine who "wielded the hammer", but to decide whether Rafferty and McClintic "acted together.'' Blair Wilson will be filing a full summary of the opening day of trial, and reaction here.

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