Both the Crown and Defence believe justice was done in Rafferty's trial. Defence Lawyer Dirk Derstine called the jury's decision "reasonable" saying it was a "strong case" for the Crown. Derstine would not comment on his client's reaction to his murder conviction. And says the decision to appeal is Rafferty's decision. Rafferty does have 30-days to appeal his conviction. Crown Attorney Kevin Gowdey had this to say on closing the case. "People of Oxford County, and really, people of the whole province of Ontario should be really proud of a tremendous investigation by the Woodstock Police Service and by the Ontario Provincial Police. It was an unprecedented investigation, it was thorough and it was extremely professional." The lawyers will return Tuesday for a sentencing hearing.

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UPDATE: Charges Are Laid After Two Fires in the City
SWPH Reports High Influenza Risk
Deputy Warden Appointed for 2026
Handbags for Hospice to Shimmer for Sakura House
Beachville Museum Employee Receives Award
SWPH Issues Cold Weather Alert
Oxford OPP Briefs - Dec. 15th 2025
White Christmas Not Guaranteed for Oxford
PJHL Recap - Dec 12th to Dec 14th
Holiday Safety Tips from OCAR
Paris Man Charged with Impaired
Rob Reiner Dead at 78
Christmas Lights Stolen in Ingersoll
UPDATE: Cyber Security Experts Investigating Oxford Incident
PJHL Preview - Dec. 12th to Dec. 14th
Tour of Lights Begins this Weekend
Drunk Drivers Charged in Woodstock
Week Three Results for Festive RIDE Campaign
Woodstock Passes 2026 Capital Budget