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Rafferty Cries at Sentencing, Proclaims Innocence

Tuesday, 15 May 2012 at 07:35

Michael Rafferty cried in the prisoner's box as he listened to the victim impact statement of Victoria Stafford's brother. In a letter read by Crown attorney Stephanie Venne, Daryn Stafford describes how his heart has been "ripped out.'' Tori's family members are all reading victim impact statements in court today at Rafferty's formal sentencing, they all speak of the impact Tori's brutal murder has had on her big brother Daryn. He was 10-years-old when Tori went missing, Daryn says it feels like the whole world is playing a sick trick on him. Rafferty, 31, was found guilty Friday night of first-degree murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and kidnapping in eight-year-old Tori's death. However, Rafferty spoke in court today, and proclaimed his innocence in Tori's murder. Here's how Tori's father, Rodney Stafford reacted. "You know, his best defence would have been opening his mouth and try to tell his side of the story. If he's got missing puzzle pieces like he says he has, well get those puzzle pieces in so we can finish this puzzle and put it to rest." As for Daryn Stafford, his mom, Tara McDonald was asked about her concern for her son's future, having been traumatized by his sisters death. "I don't worry about Daryn's future. He has a wonderful counsellor. He's very open and speaks to his family about what he's feeling and where his mind is at. And I have no concerns, I think he'll excel in whatever he does." The courtroom was packed to capacity with family members and reporters, and even nine members of the jury returned to see Rafferty be sent to prison for life. His lawyer has said Rafferty is planning on appealing his conviction. He'll be elidgable for parole on May 19th, of 2034.

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