8 Year Old Victoria “Tori” Stafford Missing Since 4/8/09 in Ontario, Canada

[Northern Rose]

Accused in Stafford slaying moved to Chatham jail

The man charged with abducting and killing Victoria (Tori) Stafford has been moved to jail in Chatham.

Michael Thomas Rafferty appeared in a Woodstock courtroom yesterday via a video link from the Chatham jail. Rafferty had been at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre in London. His counsel, Laura Giordano would not provide details yesterday on the reason.

Stafford disappeared after school on April 8 and a massive search took place for her. Her body was found near Mount Forest on July 19. Rafferty is charged along with Terri-Lynne McClintic, 18, with first-degree murder and abduction.

http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2135209

[Northern Rose]

Tori accused's jail move questioned
INCARCERATION: Tara McDonald wonders why the accused killer of her daughter Tori Stafford has been allowed to change jails, moving from London to Chatham

WOODSTOCK -- The man accused of killing eight-year-old Victoria 'Tori' Stafford has been moved to a different jail, sparking an outcry he's getting an easier ride through the justice system.

Michael Thomas Rafferty, 28, had been held at Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC) in London after his arrest on murder and kidnapping charges in May.

Yesterday, he appeared via video in Woodstock court from the Chatham jail.

"I can't comment on why he was moved," defence lawyer Laura Giordano said outside the courtroom. "He hasn't been there long. We may be able to comment more on this at a later date."

Asked if the treatment he received in London prompted the move, Giordano said, "I am not going to speak about anything with respect to his move from London to Chatham."

But one of the sources that tipped off The Free Press about the move said Rafferty had made several complaints about the mail delivery, phone access and taunting by guards and other inmates at EMDC.

Especially upsetting to Rafferty were threats from members of the Bandidos motorcycle gang, also held at EMDC on murder charges, the source said.

Rafferty's life is much quieter and more casual at the Chatham jail, where he's held by himself in an area usually quartering four people, the source said.

He's allowed more privileges, such as snacks and access to a television, the source said.

"There aren't as many rules governing him."

A source inside the corrections system made a similar assessment of Rafferty's stay in the Chatham jail, built to hold 53 inmates.

"They're lucky if they have 20 or 30 inmates. It's very small. It's really, really quiet. They sent him there to pretty much hide him, just to kind of keep him out of the limelight."

The possibility Rafferty is getting anything he wants angered Tori's mother, Tara McDonald.

"Our family is absolutely outraged. There is no way that he should be receiving any sort of special treatment," she told The Free Press.

"It's not a vacation. He shouldn't be able to have a choice about where he is incarcerated, and to be placed where he is most comfortable. I'd really like to hear the reason for this move, but answers are something our family has to wait for, like the rest of the public."

The move has outraged many observers of the case, who have continued to chat on Internet sites and created a Facebook page called "Michael Rafferty is moved to Chatham Jail!"

The public should keep an open mind about the case, suggested Giordano, a lawyer with Derstine Penman in Toronto.

"At this point only one side of the story has been heard," she said.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services said each institution in Ontario determines the conditions surrounding an inmate's stay.

There's nothing inherently different about Chatham jail that would make those conditions vastly different, said Stuart McGetrick.

Tori Stafford was abducted April 8 while walking home from school. Her body was found in July southeast of Mount Forest.

Rafferty is scheduled to appear via video again Nov. 12. Pre-trial discussions between the Crown and defence lawyers are set to continue Oct. 30.

Rafferty said little from jail yesterday, noting he did not need to talk to his lawyers before the case was adjourned.

Co-accused Terri-Lynne McClintic, 19, is scheduled to appear for her next court hearing Nov. 27.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/canada/2009/10/17/11436396.html

[Northern Rose]

Tori Stafford's mother outraged man accused of her murder was moved
(CP) – 15 hours ago

WOODSTOCK, Ont. — The mother of eight-year-old Victoria Stafford is outraged the man accused in her death has been moved to another jail.

Woodstock radio station CIHR cites sources who say Michael Rafferty,28, complained about the mail delivery, phone access and taunting by jail guards and inmates at the Middlesex London Detention Centre.

Rafferty, who faces first-degree murder and kidnapping charges in the case, has been relocated to the Chatham Jail.

The change was noticed in court on Friday, when Rafferty made a video appearance from Chatham.

The reported move has Tori's mother, Tara McDonald, outraged, who says "there is no way he should be receiving any sort of special treatment."

Another video appearance is set for November 12th on the charges that are unproven in court.

There is no comment from the law firm representing Rafferty on whether he was transferred.

Victoria Stafford vanished in April, her remains were discovered some weeks later.

A woman, Terri-Lynne McClintic, 19, is also charged with first degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the slaying.

She is to appear in court next month.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5g7f045AI0QBM_r4TRndV25HYLacg

[Northern Rose]

Mother of slain Woodstock girl speaks out

The mother of 8-year-old Victoria Stafford is outraged the man accused in her death has been moved to another jail after complaints about mail delivery and threats.

Sources say 28 year old Michael Rafferty was moved to a Chatham Jail after he complained about the mail delivery, phone access and taunting by jail guards and inmates at the Middlesex London Detention Centre. Rafferty was also reportedly receiving threats by members of the Banditos Motorcycle Gang.
The move has outraged Tori's mother, Tara MacDonald. She says "there is no way he should receive any sort of special treatment."

Michael Rafferty, who faces first degree murder and kidnapping charges is scheduled to make another video appearance on November 12th.

http://www.570news.com/more.jsp?content=20091018_054553_8712

[can]

Northern thanks for keeping this thread current. 

[Northern Rose]

Northern thanks for keeping this thread current. 

You are welcome.  I think they should give him a few new cellmates that are Banditos or have them deliver his mail.  JMO

[can]

Northern thanks for keeping this thread current. 

You are welcome.  I think they should give him a few new cellmates that are Banditos or have them deliver his mail.  JMO

Well, I like that he has had a taste of what other prisoners think about child killers.  That is what is in his future.
I disagree with the move, surely they can "protect" him 'til trial without coddling him!

[Northern Rose]

Rafferty's move sparks local protest
Posted By Daily News Staff
Updated 8 hours ago
 

ERICA BAJER

The Daily News


A demonstration to protest an accused child killer’s move from a London jail to the Chatham Jail is planned for Saturday.

Michael Thomas Rafferty, who is charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Victoria (Tori) Stafford, was recently moved here from the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre.

The transfer and allegations that Rafferty is receiving “special treatment” has sparked anger in both communities. Citizens involved with a Facebook group plan to protest outside the Chatham Jail from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“A lot of people are outraged with Rafferty’s move to Chatham,” said Bobbie-Jean Brophy, who contacted The Chatham Daily News about the protest.

“He doesn’t deserve special treatment.”

Brophy said there are rumours that Rafferty is receiving perks including extra telephone time and extended visits.

She said the protesters realize it isn’t the jail’s fault that Rafferty was moved there and she stressed the demonstration will be peaceful.

But, she said citizens upset about the situation wanted to show their disgust publicly.

We’re hoping it will show many communities care and want to see justice served properly,” she said.

Brophy said she believes Stafford’s mother, Tara MacDonald, will be attending the protest.

The Daily News was unable to reach Rafferty’s lawyer by press time.

Stuart McGetrick, a spokesman with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, said there’s no truth to the assertion that an inmate is receiving special treatment.


MORE...


http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2136478

[Northern Rose]

No comment on Rafferty's relocation
Posted By HEATHER RIVERS, Sentinel-Review
Updated 16 hours ago
 

Lawyers for Michael Rafferty won't say why or when their client was transported to a Chatham jail.

Rafferty, who has been charged with abducting and killing Victoria (Tori) Stafford, appeared by video link at the Oxford County Courthouse on Friday morning.

The last time he had appeared by video link was from the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre on Sept. 25.

"I can't comment as to why he was moved," said associate Laura Giordano of the law fi rm Derstine Penman. "I can tell you that we are vigorously defending Mr. Rafferty. That we are in the process of setting dates for a preliminary hearing that we're hoping will happen soon."

Giordano did say Rafferty hadn't been at the facility long and that she had visited Rafferty in his new home.

"I did go to see him and, at this point, I'm not about to speak of his treatment," she said.

"We may be able to comment more on this at a later date."

Rafferty, dressed in prison orange with his arms behind his back, learned there will be a continuation of judicial pretrial on Oct. 30.

His lawyers say he will plead not guilty to the charges.

Terri-Lynne McClintic, 19, is also charged with the first-degree murder and abduction of Tori Stafford.

Rafferty will make a video appearance next on Nov. 12.

http://www.oxfordreview.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2136290

[Northern Rose]

Rafferty back in Court
Thu, 2009-11-12 16:59.
Miranda Chant
The lawyer for the man accused of kidnapping and murdering eight-year-old Victoria Stafford is asking  for the public's ``patience'' .

Following a brief video court appearance today by Michael Rafferty, lawyer Laura Giordano said the public needs ``to keep an open mind'' about her client.

She  said that so far, ``only one side of the story has been told.''

The Assistant Crown attorney told the court arrangements for preliminary hearing dates would be made in the near future.

The case was adjourned until Dec. 18 to allow for continued disclosure of evidence.


Co-accused, Terri-Lynn McClintic,  makes her next court appearence on Nov. 27.
http://www.cjbk.com/news/565/1021458

[Northern Rose]

'Keep open mind' about Tori accused

WOODSTOCK -- The lawyer for the man accused of kidnapping and murdering eight-year-old Victoria "Tori" Stafford asked for the public's "patience" yesterday.

Following a brief court appearance by Michael Rafferty, lawyer Laura Giordano said the public needed "to keep an open mind" about her client.

"So far, only one side of the story has been told," said Giordano, a lawyer with Toronto's Derstine Penman firm. "We'll be going to trial on this matter.

"We're vigorously defending Mr. Rafferty."

Appearing by video from the Chatham Jail, Rafferty, 28, was quiet during his few moments in court, speaking only when asked to confirm his name. Assistant Crown attorney Michael Carnegie told the court that arrangements for preliminary hearing dates would be made in the near future.

With another "pre-trial discussion" scheduled for Dec. 4, the case was adjourned until Dec. 18 to allow for continued disclosure of evidence.

Rafferty was arrested for the kidnapping and murder of Stafford in May, six weeks after the Woodstock girl went missing. Rafferty was recently moved from the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre to the smaller Chatham Jail.

Terri-Lynn McClintic, 19, also accused of Stafford's murder, has a court appearance Nov. 27.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/11/13/11732086-sun.html

[Northern Rose]

Police make donation in Tori's memory

WOODSTOCK — Standing in front of a portrait of his "angel," Rodney Stafford accepted the police donation to Child Find Ontario with a grateful smile.

"Thank you," he said during the presentation at Woodstock's former John Deere plant. "I definitely can't say thank you enough."

Raised through donations from OPP officers across the province and their Woodstock Police Service colleagues, the $3,724.50 donation to the not-for-profit Child Find Ontario brought the total raised through Stafford's Kilometres for Kids to more than $50,000.

"It's still carrying on," said Stafford, who was joined at the ceremony by his mother, Doreen Graichen, sister Randi Millen, brother-in-law Steve Millen and three-month-old niece Sylvia. "It's seven months after Victoria disappeared and there's a lot of support still out there."

The police fundraising was inspired by Stafford's successful pledge to cycle from Woodstock to Edmonton as a tribute to his late daughter Victoria, who was abducted in April shortly after leaving school. The eight-year-old girl's remains were eventually discovered in July, two months after a Woodstock man and woman were arrested for her murder.

"When we heard (Stafford) was doing Kilometres for Kids, (OPP Det.- Insp.) Bill Renton suggested we help out," said Det.-Sgt. Mike Bikerton, an officer with the OPP's Criminal Investigation Branch. "We just want to congratulate (Stafford) on this accomplishment."

The setting for the cheque presentation was fitting. Since May, the investigators working on the Victoria Stafford case have used the former Deere plant as their temporary headquarters. While Bikerton presented the donation to Stafford and Child Find Ontario assistant director Terry Smith, members of the investigative team — many of whom donated to Kilometres for Kids — watched with pride.

"I wasn't really surprised (by the donations) … because officers have a history of benevolence," Bikerton said.

While the cheque from the police was the most recent in a spate of donations to Stafford's cause, he promised to carry on with Kilometres for Kids and continue to help Child Find Ontario. In the immediate future, Stafford will be dropping the puck — and accepting donations — Saturday in Port Stanley at a Junior hockey game. Later in the month, the 27-speed "asphalt" bike that carried Stafford on his 3,453-kilometre journey to Edmonton will return to Ontario for a fundraising auction.

Stafford also hinted that something was in the works for next summer.

"It means more than I can actually say," Smith said. "What Rodney has done — has been able to accomplish for Child Find … is phenomenal.

"He's brought it to the front of everybody's minds."

http://woodstocksentinelreview.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2175286

[Tracygirl]

Thank you for posting updates on this story.

[Northern Rose]

Thank you for posting updates on this story.

 

[Edward]

Rafferty back in Court
Thu, 2009-11-12 16:59.
Miranda Chant
The lawyer for the man accused of kidnapping and murdering eight-year-old Victoria Stafford is asking  for the public's ``patience'' .

Following a brief video court appearance today by Michael Rafferty, lawyer Laura Giordano said the public needs ``to keep an open mind'' about her client.

She  said that so far, ``only one side of the story has been told.''

The Assistant Crown attorney told the court arrangements for preliminary hearing dates would be made in the near future.

The case was adjourned until Dec. 18 to allow for continued disclosure of evidence.


Co-accused, Terri-Lynn McClintic,  makes her next court appearence on Nov. 27.
http://www.cjbk.com/news/565/1021458

Absurd...
He needs to be put to death.

Tori did not jump into his car and kill herself..
 His Girlfriend walked her out of school and right over to him.. He was waiting to put this little girl through Hell and THEN he murdered her..
Completely worthless human beings.

[Northern Rose]

Rafferty back in Court
Thu, 2009-11-12 16:59.
Miranda Chant
The lawyer for the man accused of kidnapping and murdering eight-year-old Victoria Stafford is asking  for the public's ``patience'' .

Following a brief video court appearance today by Michael Rafferty, lawyer Laura Giordano said the public needs ``to keep an open mind'' about her client.

She  said that so far, ``only one side of the story has been told.''

The Assistant Crown attorney told the court arrangements for preliminary hearing dates would be made in the near future.

The case was adjourned until Dec. 18 to allow for continued disclosure of evidence.


Co-accused, Terri-Lynn McClintic,  makes her next court appearence on Nov. 27.
http://www.cjbk.com/news/565/1021458

Absurd...
He needs to be put to death.

Tori did not jump into his car and kill herself..
 His Girlfriend walked her out of school and right over to him.. He was waiting to put this little girl through Hell and THEN he murdered her..
Completely worthless human beings.

They both need to be put to death but that will not happen as there is no death penalty in Canada.  Regardless of sentances, I hate to say they will be out at some point.   Look at Karla Homolka.

[cookie]

Rafferty back in Court
Thu, 2009-11-12 16:59.
Miranda Chant
The lawyer for the man accused of kidnapping and murdering eight-year-old Victoria Stafford is asking  for the public's ``patience'' .

Following a brief video court appearance today by Michael Rafferty, lawyer Laura Giordano said the public needs ``to keep an open mind'' about her client.

She  said that so far, ``only one side of the story has been told.''

The Assistant Crown attorney told the court arrangements for preliminary hearing dates would be made in the near future.

The case was adjourned until Dec. 18 to allow for continued disclosure of evidence.


Co-accused, Terri-Lynn McClintic,  makes her next court appearence on Nov. 27.
http://www.cjbk.com/news/565/1021458

Absurd...
He needs to be put to death.

Tori did not jump into his car and kill herself..
 His Girlfriend walked her out of school and right over to him.. He was waiting to put this little girl through Hell and THEN he murdered her..
Completely worthless human beings.

They both need to be put to death but that will not happen as there is no death penalty in Canada.  Regardless of sentances, I hate to say they will be out at some point.   Look at Karla Homolka.

they both do need to be put to death...or at the very least, no getting out of jail ever!

[Northern Rose]

Oxford County : Another Court Appearance in Stafford Case

A woman charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder in the Victoria Stafford case will make another court appearance today. Terri-Lynne McClintic will appear via video from the London-Middlesex Detention Centre. Her co-accused, Michael Rafferty, makes his next appearance on December 18th. Tori was abducted and killed April 8th as she walked home from her Woodstock school. Police discovered Tori's remains on July 19th in a rural area north of Guelph.

http://cd989.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=18446

[Northern Rose]

Tori's accused killer waives prelim. hearing

WOODSTOCK, Ont. — The woman accused of killing eight-year-old Victoria Stafford has waived her right to a preliminary hearing.

Terri-Lynne McClintic appeared in Woodstock court Wednesday morning and quietly agreed to move directly to trial.

She will next appear in court in March to set dates for trial.

She has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Stafford, who was abducted April 8 as she walked home from school in Woodstock.

Her disappearance launched a massive search for her and, later, for her body.

McClintic and Michael Rafferty were charged with murder in May, about six weeks after Stafford went missing.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/12/16/12175426.html

[Northern Rose]

McClintic in court to set trial dates
Waves preliminary hearing

In a last minute twist, Terri-Lynne Ruth McClintic made a rare court appearance in person to set a date to begin the trial process.

McClintic waved her right for a preliminary hearing, agreeing to go directly to trial.

Justice Marietta Roberts informed McClintic that on March 12, 2010 at 10 a.m. McClinic will make an appearance in assignment court in Superior Court to set future dates.

The trial will be held in front of a judge and jury.

McClintic, 19, will face the charges of first-degree murder of Victoria 'Tori" Elizabeth Stafford and confinement against her will.

Stafford disappeared on April 8 while walking home after school.

http://www.oxfordreview.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2224441