Looks like MR is also ready to go to trial, and his lawyer says he'll be prepared pleading not guilty (which we already knew). Now the question is, who will get their trial first. I know that TLM is scheduled for another court appearance in March, MR's next appearance is in February, though they will be discussing legal issues, wonder if one of the issues will be reducing/dropping charges.
From his lawyers statement, makes me wonder if they are planning a plea bargain, and if they don't like what they hear they will plead not guilty and take the chance they can prove reasonable doubt.
http://www.oxfordreview.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2228262
WOODSTOCK – A preliminary hearing in the Michael Rafferty case could begin in the early summer next year.
Rafferty, charged with abduction and first-degree murder, made a brief video appearance in court Friday morning.
His next video appearance is set for Feb. 17, 2010.
Crown attorney Brian Crockett said a preliminary hearing is scheduled for between June 21 and July 13, 2010.
Rafferty, 28, and Terri-Lynne McClintic, 19, were charged in connection with the disappearance of eight-year-old Victoria Stafford in April.
February's appearance is for a focus hearing, where the Crown and defence are to discuss legal issues in advance of the preliminary hearing.
After Friday's appearance, where Rafferty was remanded in custody at the Chatham Jail, a lawyer representing him said he was prepared to go to trial.
"Mr. Rafferty is prepared to plead not guilty," said Laura Giordano of the Toronto-based firm Derstine Penman.
"
He will be going to trial."
Giordano asked the public to keep an open mind about the case.
"I would ask the public to be patient. This will all come out at trial," she said.