The trial for 31 year old Michael Thomas Rafferty may begin as soon as Monday March 5th. Jury selection began today at the London courthouse for Rafferty who faces charges of first degree murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and kidnapping of 8 year old Tori Stafford. More than 100 of the potential jurors appeared before Superior Court Justice Thomas Heeney this morning - each providing reasons why they could or could not act as a juror on the case. Many explained to Heeney they would experience financial hardship if they were to partake in the trial that is expected to last well into June, while others provided medical reasons and were excused from Jury duty. Dirk Derstine, one of the 3 Defence Counsel representing Rafferty, spoke to a swarm of reporters outside the courthouse prior to a court recess late this morning "We want jurors who can independently and impartially assess the evidence in a proper way, so if somebody can't do it for one reason or another, then they probably shouldn't be jurors. It will be harder than usual to find a jury, but I'm, confident that will be able to find a fit and proper jury". Jury selection continued this afternoon and will continue again tomorrow Thirty-four men and women have been asked to return on Wednesday for the next stage of the jury selection.
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