Michael Rafferty misses deadline to appeal conviction in Tori Stafford killing

TORONTO – The man found guilty of raping and killing eight-year-old Victoria Stafford has missed the deadline to appeal his conviction.

But Michael Rafferty could still file a motion requesting more time to challenge the verdict handed down by a jury last month.

Rafferty was convicted of first-degree murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and kidnapping in the girl’s 2009 death.

The 31-year-old was sentenced on May 12 to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.

He was also sentenced to 10 years to be served concurrently for sexual assault causing bodily harm and kidnapping.

He had 30 days from that date to file an appeal, but staff at the Ontario Court of Appeal say they haven’t received anything.

There is no time limit for him to request an extension of the deadline.

Rafferty’s former girlfriend and accomplice in the killing, Terri-Lynne McClintic, is also serving a life sentence after pleading guilty to first-degree murder.