Trial Thread 7 May 2012 - Closing Arguments, Defense then the Crown

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SoSueMe

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Trial Discussion Thread:

reposting a few of the warnings:

Okay everybody - LISTEN UP! We are not bashing, accusing or blaming Tori's family here. It won't be allowed.

Children walk home from school every day without incident. Parents are not perfect, it's just not possible. Tori's parents DID NOT do this to her. TLM and an accomplice DID. That is where the blame goes.

We had a lot of family bashing in the early parts of this investigation after Tori went missing and a lot of baseless accusations - NONE OF WHICH PROVED TO BE TRUE. Victim and family bashing will not be allowed during this trial.

Thank you,
Salem

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As some of you may have noticed, the members following this case are dropping in numbers. It's disheartening to us because we need and welcome discussion of both sides of every issue on Websleuths.

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Thank you and please carry on.
Sue aka SoSueMe
Websleuths Co-Owner

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Please keep discussion focused on what has been presented in testimony and remember to link up as the partial publication ban is still in place
 
If all goes well today, closing arguments will begin.

Salem
 
Good Morning!

403638_1243014167.jpg
 
The murder trial of Michael Rafferty resumes Monday.

Rafferty's lawyer, Dirk Derstine, was expected to make his closing argument Friday, but jurors were told by phone not to return until Monday because more time was needed for Derstine and the prosecution team to consult with Justice Thomas Heeney on his charge to the jury.

Derstine is now expected to deliver his closing argument Monday, followed by the Crown's closing argument.

Heeney then will deliver his charge to the jury before they begin their deliberations.

The jury has been hearing evidence for two months since the trial began March 5.

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/raffertytrial/2012/05/04/19716276.html
 
Rafferty defence set to present closing arguments

LONDON, Ont. — The trial of a man accused in the death of Victoria Stafford will hear the defence theory today of what happened the day the eight-year-old girl was abducted and killed.

Michael Rafferty has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and kidnapping in the girl's death on April 8th, 2009.

His lawyer, Dirk Derstine, is expected to repeat in his closing arguments today a suggestion that Terri-Lynne McClintic was the "engine" behind the day's events.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20120507/rafferty-defence-closing-arguments-120507/
 
After choosing not to have his client take the stand and testify, Rafferty's lead defence counsel Dirk Derstine will have to address the jury first; laying out his case one final time. After Derstine, Crown Attorney Kevin Gowdey will take the podium some time in the afternoon. He will likely continue on into Tuesday.

Justice Thomas Heeney will begin his final instruction to the jury on Wednesday morning and could go into Thursday. After that, he will dismiss the jury to deliberate its verdict.

http://www.newstalk1010.com/News/localnews/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10380324
 
Good morning. Definitely looking forward to this week. Hopefully we'll have a verdict before the weeks end! Thinking of the Macdonald-Stafford families & praying for the guilty verdict for the family & especially Victoria!
 
My stomach is in knots and I'm very emotional today. Perhaps it's because we're nearing the end of this long awaited journey to justice for Victoria.

Prayers to Tara, Rodney, D and Victoria's family. May justice prevail. RIP Victoria.
 
Steven D'Souza ‏ @cbcsteve
Crowd has formed awaiting the closing arguments in Michael #Rafferty trial
 
Mark Carcasole ‏ @MarkCarc1010
Many observers here early for #Rafferty trial. Sign it could get pretty packed at the courthouse again today.
 
I feel as though today is the beginning of the end. Prayers to Victoria's family this week! May justice be served!!!! I pray Tori will lead the jurors to an appropriate decision.
 
OMG i was in the other room and I am like why is no one here damn it LOL Only to realize that today was the 6th LOL.. Good Lord :)
 
Crap make that the 7th LOLOL.. Coffee where's the coffee?? LOL
 
Mike Knoll: The fate of Michael Rafferty is expected to be in the hands of the jury this week.
Rafferty's lawyer Dirk Derstine is scheduled to make his closing remarks to the jury Monday morning, followed by the Crown.

Justice Thomas Heeney will give the jury his instructions on Wednesday.

Rafferty, 31, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, kidnapping and sexual assault in the 2009 killing of eight-year-old Woodstock girl Tory Stafford.

Rafferty's former girlfriend, Terri-Lynne McClintic has already pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and is serving a life sentence. She was the central witnesses for the Crown during the five week trial.
 
8:46
Mike Knoll: @guest - sorry - just confirmed that we may get the beginning of the Crown's closing arguments this afternoon.
 
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