Tori Stafford 8 yr girl missing 9 days from Woodstock, On, Canada

[lorettalockhorn]

Rape should be a heavily weighted aggravating factor in child murders especially IMO.

[beemer]

Court cancelled for today due to one of the Lawyers ill. Tomorrow is the day i have planned to attend. Jurors told to return tomorrow. Tomorrow is the Forensic results from Rafferty's car. Was suppose to be today. Crown said in opening when we got to that point listen carefully as it will tell a story. Jurors in Canada are not sequestered until deliberation.

[lorettalockhorn]

That sounds interesting, Beem. Court can be boring at times, but glad that you'll get to hear vital evidence presented.

[beemer]

Thanks lor

[BeastofBears]

Hey Beem!

Is court on today?

[lorettalockhorn]

Hey BoB! She posted around early this morning in the chat area that she was about to be on her way. Think she said that it's about 1 - 1 1/2 hour drive.

[beemer]

Yep Court was on today. I'll post tomorrow when i have a little more time to digest it all. Forensic day with nothing earth shattering there. I'll post some summations on that. Much to share on the Family. Prosecution and the Defense. Rafferty. Jury. All observations. We sat right behind Tori's Mom and Partner also Tori's Grandmother. It was interesting to say the least and I will be going back for sure. Check tomorrow for a post here.

[lorettalockhorn]

Thanks Beems!

[BeastofBears]

That's great you got to go beems!

[beemer]

Synopsis of Court Yesterday. Both witnesses were excellent. Well spoken and spoke directly to the Jurors. I'll add my observations later.

http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/ar...y-s-trial-told

[beemer]

That's great you got to go beems!

Thanks it was interesting and i do plan to go back a few more times. I would like to see Derstine in action despite being Defense LOL Rode the elevator with him a few times and he spoke to having the flu causing a no Court day. So if i get the flu i know who to blame. Considering i was right beside him. Nice man. I believe from a Toronto Firm.

[beemer]

Yesterday we arrived at the Courthouse by 9:30 ish. Security check. Up the one and only elevator designated for the 14th floor Courtroom. Another security check. Sat in the second bench behind the bar. Several designated areas for Family. Tara McDonald and her Partner James Gorris along with her Mother Linda sat in front of us. I couldn't help but notice a tattoo on Tara's neck when she moved her long hair. Tattoo said Betty. Could see edges of others but hidden by her black sweater. To our left 2 rows up sat Rodney Stafford and His Mother Doreen. Seemed to be other relatives but not sure who they were. The morning began with fascinating Forensic analysis and excellent witnesses. Link in above post. When Judge arrive of course we all stand but also are to give a slight forward bow. All witnesses leaving are to turn and short bow before exiting after testifying. Many tables behind both the Prosecution and the Defense. Legal Team and behind them Clerks. Then a few press allowed a table and last were 2 OPP (Ont. Provincial Police) All had monitors in front of them and computers.

[beemer]

All Lawyers are dressed in pinstripe pant. Bar jackets and Robe with the white tabs. (Luv it) No wigs lol. Jury was seated and i believe it was 9 women and 3 men. They were seated along the side of the Courtroom right across from the Prisoners box. Rafferty on the other side. He looked pale and puffy. Good ole prison grub. He stared at the Jurors as he stood everytime they entered/exited at breaks. I didn't notice alot of note taking or looks from Jurors to Rafferty. They were intent on looking at their monitors and or the witness.

[beemer]

Both Tara and Rodney listened and looked at monitor intently thru the day. Tara and her Mother whispered to one another at times. Couldn't hear and if i did i wouldn't repeat it. I did hear her say what she had for lunch. We spotted Tara and Partner James walking around the Market Place where most go to for lunch. I didn't speak with her despite our close proximity. We did exchange a sympathetic smile when seated after lunch. Just a vibe i got she didn't want to be approched. She rarely speaks to press now. Rodney was on the elevator with us several times and seems very talkative and outgoing. He was with his Mother Doreen who just seems like a lovely warm lady. Doreen came over to us during a break and said Rodney and I would like you to have these. She gave us a purple ribbon to pin on. She is a lovely lady.

[beemer]

Rafferty sat in his prisoner box with 2 guards seated just outside it. Sometimes leaned the back of his head against the wall. Looked at the monitor or the ceiling. At one point when we were standing awaiting for the Judge, Rafferty seemed to be looking around. Tara's Mom commented on that. Stated he never does that. I could see Rafferty was looking straight our way. Which means right at Tara. I looked at her from the side angle i now had and she locked eyes on him. No expression. Didn't flinch and he promptly looked away. Will definitely go back when time permits. Trial is expected to last 3 months tops.

[beemer]

Oh we left at the 4:00 break when it was indicated Court may run late today. We were only metered til 5 and had the drive home yet. We did see many Picketers with signs to bring back the Death Penalty.

[BeastofBears]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, beems! It's almost like being there to support Tori.

[beemer]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, beems! It's almost like being there to support Tori.

Your welcome. I hope to get back at least a few more times before trial is over.

[Amy]

Thanks for the links...but more for the first hand report. Message board members who attend trials bring back so much more--of who is seated w/whom, and who exchanges glances or comments w/whom, etc. So much more than what the reporters have to offer (which, I know, is because they are reporting the NEWS, the exchange between lawyers and witnesses, etc.)

[beemer]

Thanks for the links...but more for the first hand report. Message board members who attend trials bring back so much more--of who is seated w/whom, and who exchanges glances or comments w/whom, etc. So much more than what the reporters have to offer (which, I know, is because they are reporting the NEWS, the exchange between lawyers and witnesses, etc.)

Your welcome. Yes that was more of an interest to me as well. I knew i could catch up on the forensics thru the news if i missed anything. Will certainly be back a few more times. Yes it is a bit hard since reporters can only tweet from the Courtroom. Thinking bout you Amy and your Family

[lorettalockhorn]

Thanks it was interesting and i do plan to go back a few more times. I would like to see Derstine in action despite being Defense LOL Rode the elevator with him a few times and he spoke to having the flu causing a no Court day. So if i get the flu i know who to blame. Considering i was right beside him. Nice man. I believe from a Toronto Firm.

Glad to know that if you get the flu, you won't be blaming the Church. TYIA for your notes!

[lorettalockhorn]

Great firsthand account Beem - thanks so much for being our eyes and ears.

[beemer]

Glad to know that if you get the flu, you won't be blaming the Church. TYIA for your notes!

Haaaa ya what a delight to actually blame a Defense Attorney. He was very pleasant altho i may feel different when Defense is up LOL Your welcome.

[lorettalockhorn]

Leave it to Leroy to get a dig in on the preacher's choice of communion along with his major germophobia.

[beemer]

Leave it to Leroy to get a dig in on the preacher's choice of communion along with his major germophobia.

Oh that leroy

[beemer]

From today

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/r.../19623131.html

[lorettalockhorn]

Good write ups at both links today, thanks.

[beemer]

Good write ups at both links today, thanks.

Your welcome

[BeastofBears]

We should start a CL travel club. Visit a country and attend a day of trial, see what court is like around the world.

[lorettalockhorn]

Neat idea!

[beemer]

Awesome idea Bob

[beemer]

Rafferty's quick recovery

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/...afford-murder/

[lorettalockhorn]

Thanks for the link; I wonder if any of these women had daughters? Interesting that he is described as needy - guess I'd expect him to be aloof.

[beemer]

Thanks for the link; I wonder if any of these women had daughters? Interesting that he is described as needy - guess I'd expect him to be aloof.

A few had children. The list is growing after todays testimony so far. He had many women on the go. I'll post a link later.

[lorettalockhorn]

K, thanks. I would think in retrospect that these women would be terrified thinking their own children could have been preyed on.

[beemer]

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/r.../19630726.html

[beemer]

Heading back to the Trial a week from Tuesday. Defense may be up by then.

[lorettalockhorn]

Good deal Beemer, thanks!

[beemer]

Your welcome

[samanthajane13]

Rafferty sat in his prisoner box with 2 guards seated just outside it. Sometimes leaned the back of his head against the wall. Looked at the monitor or the ceiling. At one point when we were standing awaiting for the Judge, Rafferty seemed to be looking around. Tara's Mom commented on that. Stated he never does that. I could see Rafferty was looking straight our way. Which means right at Tara. I looked at her from the side angle i now had and she locked eyes on him. No expression. Didn't flinch and he promptly looked away. Will definitely go back when time permits. Trial is expected to last 3 months tops.

Awesome, Beem!!

Thanks for being our eyes and ears!!