Michael Rafferty maintained his innocence this morning, even as he apologized to Victoria Stafford's family in court. He admitted he is very definitely part of why Victoria is not here today, but told the judge he stands behind his not guilty plea. Rafferty was found guilty Friday of kidnapping, raping and killing eight-year-old Tori in 2009. He cried this morning as he listened to emotional victim impact statements by Tori's family at his sentencing hearing. Tori's mother, Tara McDonald was asked if she believed Rafferty's plea of innocence. "I didn't even really pay much attention to his efforts...he is just trying to grasp at whatever straws are left." Reporter: "Who do you think his tears were for?" Tara: "Himself." McDonald wants people to remember her daughter for the right reasons. "She touched the hearts of millions and I'm proud to say that I'm Victoria Stafford's mom. I urge people not to dwell on the horrific details of her final hours, but instead think of the loving, happy, gorgeous little girl that she was, and forever will be." Visit our podcast page to hear Tara McDonald and Rodney Stafford's speeches today.

Wind Phone Installed at VON Sakura House
Walk for Lupus Returns to Southside Park
Another Successful Realtors Care Food Drive for WITAAR
Discovery Week Returns to Woodstock Hospital
Developmental Service Workers Locked Out in Ingersoll
Golf Tournament to Support First Responders
Khanna Invites Tourists to Oxford this Summer
Blandford-Blenheim Candidate Profile - Tina Young
WPS Briefs - May 26th, 2026
UPDATE: Weapons Seized from Woodstock Home
Tip Tuesday with the Oxford OPP - May 2026
Public Unveiling for Bird Set Free
Norfolk Teens Charged with Assault
Police Investigating Fatal Crash on Highway 403
Tillsonburg Candidate Profile - Dave Beres
Walk for Alzheimer's Returns this Weekend
TVDSB Announces New CEO
Speedster Busted After Online Tip to OPP
Fatal Crash Investigation in Townsend
Woodstock Will Name an Official Bird