Room 21 on the 14th floor of London?s Courthouse was near empty on the 33rd day of the first degree murder trial of Michael Rafferty. With an exception of Superior Court Justice Thomas Heeney, The Crown, the Defense Lawyer and necessary court personnel, there were only 3 Journalists taking note. The jury has been off since Tuesday as further legal arguments get ironed out. During Thursday?s proceedings Heeney instructed Council the complicated matters will take at least another day. Crown Attorney Kevin Gowdey stepped up to the plate for the few media that were present and asked if it would be okay for the media report that even further legalities will take place tomorrow. Justice Heeney endorsed the suggestion and instructed Reporters to do so. As a result the Jury will get a third consecutive day off and not return until Monday ? that?s when Defense Lawyer Dirk Derstine will make his closing arguments. On Tuesday the Crown will present its closing arguments, then Heeney will charge the jury on Wednesday. Heeney?s instructions are expected to take 2 full days. Following Heeney?s instructions, the rest of the trial will be in the Jury?s hands. There is speculation a verdict in the case could come before the middle of this month.

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