London Ontario - Tori Stafford murder trial begins jury selection

[matou]

That's right, there was no preliminary hearing in MR's case, it was a direct indictment and the case was "fast-tracked" in June 2010. Isn't this when the sexual assault charge was added, at the beginning of June 2010?

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/06/02/14235361.html

 

[maxfactor]

The OPP rocked this case once they got involved. The honour salute they did for Tori when her remains where transported out of Mount Forest is so touching. JMO

I know, it still breaks my heart to see it.

http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/lo...ria_stafford_body_090621/20090721?hub=Toronto

 

[matou]

That's right, there was no preliminary hearing in MR's case, it was a direct indictment and the case was "fast-tracked" in June 2010. Isn't this when the sexual assault charge was added, at the beginning of June 2010?

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/06/02/14235361.html

Yes it was: Rafferty also faces an additional charge of sexual assault causing bodily harm, reported Delaney. The charge, which is listed on Rafferty's indictment, was laid in June 2010.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/CanadaAM/20120116/michael-rafferty-pretrial-begins-120116/

 

[swedie]

This video clip is the announcement from Lead investigator/Detective Inspector Bill Renton, Acting Chief Rod Freeman and OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino, just after Tori's remains were identified. Three pathologist worked on her remains to ID her and gather forensic evidence from Tori's remains, so we may hear from all three on the witness stand along with the three LE mentioned above.

Fantino said he hopes justice is done and that "we need to be mindful, conscientious and caring about the well-being of our children." "because EVIL does lurk".

Very disturbing to hear this information again.

http://www.cp24.com/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090721/090721_tori?hub=CP24Home

 

[swedie]

Hello all .... just me checking in. I cannot believe that three years have now passed and the trial will start on Monday (or will it be Tuesday in keeping with the schedule set by the court?) I am hoping to be able to attend at least one day over the next few weeks ... London is about an hour from me. I would prefer, of course, to attend on a day when TLM is testifying ... just so that I can look directly at her. I am very curious as to what she will testify to since she has already been sentenced and cannot be charged again for the same crime ... I am sure we all remember the "Deal With the Devil" several years back which was also subject to a publication ban prior to his trial. Does anyone recall how many years Holmoka was sentenced to for her part in the Bernardo murders? Was it 15 based on her confession to her part in the crimes (later found to have been downplayed) and her agreement to testify against Bernardo? Just wondering how comparable the sentences given Homolka and TLM are.

Hi ChaChaCha! :seeya: Welcome! We are in need of great sleuthers here on Tori's forum. In so many ways it seems like eternity waiting and praying for justice for Tori and her family. Yes it's finally that time. If I could attend, that would be when I would attend, is during TLM on the stand. I do not know though if I could attend, listening to all the gruesome details, I would probably have nightmares afterward. I hope the jurors are offered some sort of psychological help after the trial is over. I am way up north and it would take me a good day to get there, it would be my luck to not get a seat because of a full house. :maddening: I would imagine the first few weeks will be crazy in that courthouse. We have heard RS say he wants to attend every day and hear every word. I have wondered often if TM will attend, and I pray if she does, it will help to bring some closure for her. On the other hand I can see it being too painful and understand if that's her decision. I didn't even know Tori but I feel so devastated by what I have heard. An unnecessary and evil case for sure.

 

[swedie]

I know, it still breaks my heart to see it.

http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/lo...ria_stafford_body_090621/20090721?hub=Toronto

If you watch the video in my post #142, it's evident how hard LE worked and continued to work on this case. You can also see in their faces and hear in their voices how disturbing this case was/is to them. They did an honourable and fantastic job to solve Tori's case. Kudos to our LE here in Canada! :blowkiss::tyou:

 

[nonfictionrocks]

Hi ChaChaCha! :seeya: Welcome! We are in need of great sleuthers here on Tori's forum. In so many ways it seems like eternity waiting and praying for justice for Tori and her family. Yes it's finally that time. If I could attend, that would be when I would attend, is during TLM on the stand. I do not know though if I could attend, listening to all the gruesome details, I would probably have nightmares afterward. I hope the jurors are offered some sort of psychological help after the trial is over. I am way up north and it would take me a good day to get there, it would be my luck to not get a seat because of a full house. :maddening: I would imagine the first few weeks will be crazy in that courthouse. We have heard RS say he wants to attend every day and hear every word. I have wondered often if TM will attend, and I pray if she does, it will help to bring some closure for her. On the other hand I can see it being too painful and understand if that's her decision. I didn't even know Tori but I feel so devastated by what I have heard. An unnecessary and evil case for sure.

I can attend easily for a few days, I have a friend who does not live more than an hour away. I can stay at her place and perhaps see a couple of plays too after court lets out. It will be a great way to unwind after such a stressful day watching the proceedings.

 

[kmclaren]

Where are they now???

http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario...-tori-stafford-murder-case-where-are-they-now

I'm not sure why the article implies they don't know what prison TLM is in? Canada doesn't have that many women's federal prisons - I think there are 5 - and it's been published and common knowledge she's at Grand Valley in Ontario.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/12/08/16485536.html

"Serving life in Kitchener's Grand Valley Institution for Women, Terri-Lynne McClintic, 20, still wrestles with what she did in the past and faces only a faint hope of a future."

And a long detailed article about Grand Valley:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/669810--women-s-prison-a-crowded-harder-place

 

[flipflop]

I could not sit through a day in court during this trial.

I wonder when the field trip for the jury members will take place, the area is getting alot of snow this weekend.

 

[Sparklin]

As per tweet by AM980.ca ~ only pre-trial motions were under ban - as of Monday anything is fair game and will be tweeted...

*am I allowed to post that?

 

[antiquegirl]

I'm not sure why the article implies they don't know what prison TLM is in? Canada doesn't have that many women's federal prisons - I think there are 5 - and it's been published and common knowledge she's at Grand Valley in Ontario.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/12/08/16485536.html

"Serving life in Kitchener's Grand Valley Institution for Women, Terri-Lynne McClintic, 20, still wrestles with what she did in the past and faces only a faint hope of a future."

And a long detailed article about Grand Valley:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/669810--women-s-prison-a-crowded-harder-place

(BBM)

Because that reporter sucks? Obviously, you're a better sleuth than she is.

I also found the headline misleading and somewhat sensationalistic. For at least half the people discussed there is no mention of where "they are now". Instead, we get a rehash of old news that everyone here already knows. So disappointing!

Thanks for the link to Grand Valley.

JMO

 

[swedie]

Link is a recent video to summarize Tori's case and a picture slide show below.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2012/03/02/the-tori-stafford-saga

Thinking of you often little Princess Angel.

 

[margaret_diane]

Hello all .... just me checking in. I cannot believe that three years have now passed and the trial will start on Monday (or will it be Tuesday in keeping with the schedule set by the court?) I am hoping to be able to attend at least one day over the next few weeks ... London is about an hour from me. I would prefer, of course, to attend on a day when TLM is testifying ... just so that I can look directly at her. I am very curious as to what she will testify to since she has already been sentenced and cannot be charged again for the same crime ... I am sure we all remember the "Deal With the Devil" several years back which was also subject to a publication ban prior to his trial. Does anyone recall how many years Holmoka was sentenced to for her part in the Bernardo murders? Was it 15 based on her confession to her part in the crimes (later found to have been downplayed) and her agreement to testify against Bernardo? Just wondering how comparable the sentences given Homolka and TLM are.

Hey! Its Chax3! Welcome back!! I still remember your "Bandido Dance" and I still chuckle each time I imagine it! :woohoo:

 

[swedie]

The allegations in this case are horrible and I would imagine the truth and evidence is even more horrible. Stay strong RS, TM, DS and families. What a nightmare.

The jurors face a trial that could last up to three months and reveal disturbing details about Tori’s final hours.

“Get some rest. You are going to be busy over the next 2 1/2 months or so,” Superior Court Justice Thomas Heeney told the 12-member jury and two alternates Thursday.

“Everything you need to know about this case will be brought to you in this courtroom,” Heeney said.

“The allegations in this case are horrible. It’s very important everybody keep an open mind and not rush to judgment. Many different people can form various scenarios in their minds about what may have happened or what could have happened. What’s important is that they listen to what happens in the courtroom.”

[B]Heeney will provide further instructions to the jury Monday. Opening arguments, then the beginning of evidence, will follow.[/B]

Terri-Lynne McClintic, 21, is expected to be a key witness for the Crown. She and Rafferty were arrested May 19, 2009, after she was questioned by police.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/ToriStafford/2012/03/01/19453101.html

 

[matou]

Video clip of Derstine, Rafferty's defense attorney: "We're anxious to see what the Crown's case really looks like."

Doesn't he know?

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/...selection-london-120301/20120301/?hub=SWOHome

 

[nettie_82]

Justice for Tori starts tomorrow....FINALLY!!!!

 

[dilbert]

Video clip of Derstine, Rafferty's defense attorney: "We're anxious to see what the Crown's case really looks like."

Doesn't he know?

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/...selection-london-120301/20120301/?hub=SWOHome

No they (defence) don't know because the AG ordered a direct indictment. Normally a preliminary inquiry would have been held where the defence would have a chance to see the crown's case.

http://info.lawyershop.ca/criminal/...9/06/12/the-purpose-of-a-preliminary-inquiry/

The purpose of the preliminary inquiry for the defense is to explore the case. Then, we know exactly what the evidence is against our client when we get to trial. The preliminary inquiry looks almost identical to a trial in that witnesses are brought, they’re examined, and they’re cross examined under oath. But the difference in a preliminary inquiry is that we don’t present the defense. We just hear what the crown’s evidence is. When we know exactly what their evidence is in detail, we can prepare to answer that evidence.

Once we have examined witnesses under oath, whereby they’ve sworn that what they have told is the truth, we will then obtain a transcript of the witness’s testimony. Then, if they try to vary from that evidence at trial then, we’re going to question why it has changed.

 

[Alethea Dice]

No they (defence) don't know because the judge ordered a direct indictment. Normally a preliminary inquiry would have been held where the defence would have a chance to see the crown's case.

http://info.lawyershop.ca/criminal/...9/06/12/the-purpose-of-a-preliminary-inquiry/

It's just one more advantage for TLM in the "deal that wasn't made" for her guilty plea IMHO.

http://www.globalnews.ca/accused+in+tori+stafford+murder+going+straight+to+trial/76972/story.html

Derstine said the Crown had applied for the motion earlier this month, but said the move by the Attorney General to grant it was "rare." He said it may point to the Crown's strategy.

"It is always a good idea for the Crown not to have preliminary trial," said Derstine. "Their witnesses don't have to testify twice. It shelters the Crown from probing cross-examination."

 

[dilbert]

It's just one more advantage for TLM in the "deal that wasn't made" for her guilty plea IMHO.

:notgood: Nice to see they didn't pull the wool over your eyes either.

 

[kmclaren]

So I was just researching "direct indictments" and here's a link if anyone is interested:

http://www.ppsc-sppc.gc.ca/eng/nws-nvs/comm/2010/01_06_10b.html

The part that really stands out and hopefully it is good news for this trial that there is very good evidence:

The circumstances in a case for which a direct indictment is recommended must meet the charge approval standard – namely, that there is a reasonable prospect of conviction at trial, and the public interest requires a prosecution to be pursued.