Wed May. 20 2009 7:12:33 PM
Victoria Stafford's family reacts to news of her murder
The Canadian Press
A police car sits parked outside the house believed to belong to a suspect arrested in connection with Tori Stafford's abduction. (CP24/Aaron Adetuyi)
Eight-year-old Victoria Stafford was last seen leaving her Woodstock, Ont. school on Wednesday afternoon, April 8, 2009. |
WOODSTOCK, Ont. — Victoria Stafford's father says news of the girl's murder is hitting her 11-year-old brother hard.
Rodney Stafford says the boy's first reaction was to ask: "I don't get to see her anymore?"
The six-week search for the eight-year-old girl, known as Tori, turned into a grim recovery effort today after a man was charged with her murder and a woman as an accessory.
Stafford says the family is helping Tori's brother Daryn cope by keeping him occupied with activities such as paintball.
Police say they will not stop until they locate Tori's "resting place" and bring her home to her family.
Ontario Provincial Police Det.-Insp. William Renton says it's important the Grade 3 student's body be returned to her parents now that the abduction case has led to a murder charge.
"Our work is far from over, and we'll not stop until we're able to locate the whereabouts of Victoria Stafford," Renton said.
"Albeit not the way we ever wanted to find Tori, I can't stress the importance and significance of returning her to her loved ones."
Although Renton would not say where that search would lead them, recovery efforts were apparently underway in a rural area outside Guelph known as Rockwood, about an hour east of Woodstock.
A police helicopter spent the afternoon criss-crossing a region marked with farmers' fields, ponds and wooded areas.
The pretty, outgoing girl went missing April 8 outside her school, and a surveillance tape showed her being led away by a woman in a white puffy coat.
Community and volunteer efforts to find the girl were extensive, but court documents suggest the efforts were futile; the murder took place on or around the day she went missing.
Michael Thomas Rafferty, 28, has been arraigned on a first-degree murder charge and abducting a child under 16.
Terri-Lynne McClintic, 18, is charged with abduction, being an accessory and helping Rafferty elude authorities.
Renton said there may be a link between McClintic and Tori's mother Tara McDonald, but he wouldn't say how the two know each other.
Rodney Stafford said it was his understanding that the two women knew each other through a desire to breed dogs.
Police said they did not anticipate laying any further charges in the case.
Oxford Community Police Chief Ron Fraser said he had no words of comfort.
"This is certainly not the end that anyone was hoping for," he said.
"There are no consoling words to offer or profound words of wisdom that can make this news easy for anyone to accept."
Fraser and Renton said they couldn't speak to what would have motivated anyone to kill the girl.
Fraser said he hoped the courts would be able to answer the hundreds of questions still remaining, including "why someone would take the life of a beautiful young lady."
The developments were clearly devastating to Tori's father Rodney Stafford.
"I don't know where to go from here," said Stafford, who was wearing a T-shirt with a picture of Tori that read "Daddy's Little Girl."
Rafferty pulled his shirt over his head to cover his face as he was led into the courthouse. He cried during the proceeding, while McClintic, a stocky brunette whose hair was tied in cornrows for her court appearance, was more stoic.
As Rafferty was led by police from the courthouse after his appearance, Tori's uncle Rob Stafford approached him and angrily spat out an expletive.
Rafferty and McClintic next appear in court May 28.
The relationship between the two accused was unclear, and police would not elaborate.
From Day 1, volunteers lined up to join the search, plastering storefronts, street lamps and car windshields with flyers describing the petite young girl with golden hair and big blue eyes.
Tori's mother began holding daily news conferences to keep the story in the media spotlight and, on a number of occasions, vigorously denied rumours swirling in the community, including one that her daughter was kidnapped over a drug debt.
At one point McDonald was confronted with the allegation that she looked like the woman in a composite sketch released by police -- a suggestion she called laughable.
Police remained tight-lipped about the investigation, but McDonald's daily briefings revealed a number of strange twists in the case: McDonald accepted a ride in a limousine to meet a mysterious benefactor in a Toronto hotel who offered to pay any ransom demand, and the family also sought the help of a psychic.
Family members, including McDonald and Stafford, also spoke openly about having taken lie-detector tests.
The media spotlight also put McDonald's personal struggles on full display, including her addiction to the narcotic OxyContin, which she said she's receiving treatment for.
At Oliver Stephens Public School, where Tori was a student, the principal and a team of trauma counsellors delivered the tragic news to students class by class Wednesday morning.
A letter was also sent home to parents, and they were invited to take their children home if they desired.
"Everyone's very upset," said Bill Tucker, director of education for the Thames Valley District School Board, adding counsellors will remain at the school as long as necessary.
"As a school, both staff and students, we've just been rocked to the core of our very being with this."
Reached at a home in Woodstock, a woman who identified herself as McClintic's grandmother sobbed as she said she was estranged from the woman's mother Carol and her grandchildren.
"(Carol) was a stripper and she knew the wrong people and she wasn't treating Terri-Lynne right."
She said she felt "just horrible" about the arrests.
"It's breaking my heart."
Rafferty's neighbours said he either lived with his mother or his parents. People in the surrounding houses didn't know them well, with most saying they kept to themselves.
Aaron Mabey, 20, lives next door and said he saw several police officers outside the house Tuesday night around 11 p.m.
He helped search for Tori in the early days of her disappearance, and said it made him feel physically ill to know the suspect lived right next door.
"When I was told, I just felt so sick."
Jen Burchat, who lives a few doors down from the Rafferty house, said she was shaken because she let her children play outside the home.
"(I'm) shocked that it could happen so close to home," said Burchat, a mother of four who runs a daycare out of her home.
Police sources tell CP24 that the girl's abduction has been allegedly viewed as an "opportunistic crime" and was not a random act. They also say the child may have allegedly been sought for "nefarious" purposes.
CP24's Sue Sgambati reports that police are being assisted by the female suspect and took her up in the OPP helicopter Wednesday evening to assist in the search for the remains.
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Comments are now closed for this story
May 20, 2009 at 9:09:53 AM
Lynn
Thoughts and prayers to the family today.
May 20, 2009 at 9:10:11 AM
Linda Hutton
please let her be safe
May 20, 2009 at 9:13:12 AM
Trish
My prayers are with Tori at this time....hoping she has a safe return home
May 20, 2009 at 9:13:23 AM
Raymond
The outcome wil be sad :(
I pray for the parents. May God give strength and calrity to the situation.
May 20, 2009 at 9:17:43 AM
Sue Lindsay
Praying for Tori, who has become Woodstock's little Princess
May 20, 2009 at 9:18:09 AM
DM
Our Prayers are with the family for some strength and closure. Be strong - take one step at a time...
May 20, 2009 at 9:24:51 AM
Lisa MC
I hope and pray that she is well and in good health...God be with you Tori wherever you are....To the parents give it all to Jusus he will take care of it and sustain you through it.
God bless,
LM
May 20, 2009 at 9:29:43 AM
Victoria A.
I am truly saddened by this story. Victoria looked like a sweet, innocent young girl with so much potential ahead of her. When are we going to stop seeing such horrible things happen to such young people?
Sending all my love and support to her family and her close friends. <3.
May 20, 2009 at 9:39:33 AM
Sandy
My prayers go out to her family.
I hope this little angel is returned home, safely.
God Bless.
May 20, 2009 at 9:41:10 AM
Meaghan
Sadly, I knew this would be the outcome. My thoughts and prayers are with her parents and brother right now. Unfortunatly, the family knew these people and now, it is going to be even harder for the family. Hopefully, justice will have the upper hand in this case.
May 20, 2009 at 9:42:25 AM
Shannon and Family
Love and Prayers to all of you today! Praying for a safe return home! Hugs to all of you!
May 20, 2009 at 9:43:09 AM
Veronica Saunders, Barrie, ON
My prayers are with tori and her family. Please be safe and come home.
May 20, 2009 at 9:47:42 AM
liz
I am so sad to hear about Tory. I cannot believe that there are such HORRIBLE people in this world who can do this to a child.....I hope to God that these 2 people pay, and I mean "PAY" for what they have done and not just by getting a slap on their hands...I PRAY FOR THE FAMILY IN THIS HORRIBLE TIME.....
May 20, 2009 at 9:48:23 AM
Mary
My thoughts and prayers are with Tori's family. May God comfort you in this very difficult time and always.
May 20, 2009 at 9:49:13 AM
Matt
I know she is alive and well..
May 20, 2009 at 9:50:44 AM
C.
Profound grief, unbelievable sadness and utter hatred for any animal that would harm a little child. Praying for all who are affected by this case. May God bring her home safely, please.
May 20, 2009 at 9:51:59 AM
Denise
I am praying for the family and Tori.My thoughts are with them always. I am truly saddened by this whole event since the very first day she disappeared. Hug your children tight everyday. God bless them and god bless this little angel Tori.
May 20, 2009 at 9:53:27 AM
Samantha
My thoughts & prayers to Tori.... This is very scary.. I hope it has a happy ending.
SS
May 20, 2009 at 9:55:24 AM
Abi
Pray to God and hope that is she doing fine. My prayers are with the family as well.
May 20, 2009 at 9:56:24 AM
Jeanette
My prayers are with the family praying for the best.
Question lies why did it take this long to find them especially if in the same neighbourhood?
What went wrong?
WHY WHY WHY?
Hurry up and let the world know the outcome of Tori...
How can these people do something so horrible to a little innocent child no matter what the differences are they have with the parents.
It's not the childs fault for whatever went wrong.
Please put a happy ending to this story and let the world go on with their day.
Good Luck to the family and my tears thaughts and prayers are with you throughout the day.FINGERS ARE CROSSED.
May 20, 2009 at 9:58:42 AM
Frassati
May the angels protect you from all evil and bring you home safe.
May 20, 2009 at 9:59:53 AM
Angela
Praying that Tori is still alive and Justice will be served!
May 20, 2009 at 10:00:42 AM
Laura Lee
I have been following this since day 1 and pray to God this comes to a happy ending, my thoughts and prayers are with the family. Come home safe Tori, your family misses you so much and needs you back at there side.
May 20, 2009 at 10:01:58 AM
Tammi
I've just had a feeling all along that Victoria is still alive and I just hope this feeling turns out to be the truth...She's been in my thoughts everyday since she's gone missing. Praying everything will be fine and she'll be returned to her family
May 20, 2009 at 10:03:16 AM
Rubia
Hope you okay Tori. Been following your story. Thoughs and prayers are with the family. Praying everything will be okay with this little angel.
May 20, 2009 at 10:04:03 AM
Erica
My paryers are with the Stafford family, and have been for a long time.
As the case starts to unwind, I am hoping their little girl gets returned to them safely, they've already gone through enough grief.
May 20, 2009 at 10:04:58 AM
Thulasi
God bless Tori...I pray for strength and hope for her parents....
I hope this little girl's fate and her parents' suffering is taken as a lesson to protect our children in the future.....
Tori, a child is like a god, so he will always keep you safe with him....
May 20, 2009 at 10:12:15 AM
Denise
My thoughts and prayers are with little Torrie and i pray she is returned home safely and if the worst case senario is to be true then all i can say is shame on all that were involved in this tradgedy NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE !!!!!! Torrie you will be in my thoughts and my prayers that you come home to your brother safely !
May 20, 2009 at 10:14:09 AM
MK
My thoughts are with the family. Please let this little girl be safe!
May 20, 2009 at 10:14:33 AM
Rita, TO
My prayers are for a safe return for Tori, also for her parents. Terrible that their are such devious persons in our society. Our children should be able to be children and to always be safe.
May 20, 2009 at 10:14:45 AM
Christine
Please let her be safe, my prayers are with Tori and her family
May 20, 2009 at 10:16:00 AM
Nadine
My heart is broken to know what you have gone through!
Let your creator take away your pain my dear child.
To mom & dad, keep strong!
Blessings,
Nadine
May 20, 2009 at 10:17:53 AM
Mark and Char
Our hearts and prayers are with Tori and her family.
May 20, 2009 at 10:21:01 AM
Angela
All our thoughts and prayers go out to Tori's family - closure is the second best thing to having her come home safe and sound.
May 20, 2009 at 10:22:13 AM
rhonda
let us not forget her dear sweet brother and the pain he must be in as well.....hugs and prayers to all the family
May 20, 2009 at 10:34:46 AM
Kim
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families. So sad
May 20, 2009 at 10:39:13 AM
JL
Fly like an angel little Tori.
You are at rest now, no harm can ever come to you again.
Oh sweet girl.
May 20, 2009 at 10:44:58 AM
noel
A very Sad ending to a very short life of a pretty little girl. She is safe in gods hands now.
May 20, 2009 at 10:45:47 AM
Amanda
Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family and friends of this beautiful little girl, May she be found safe and if not may she rest in peace with the angels.
May 20, 2009 at 10:49:00 AM
Jenn
My heart just breaks for this family, I have two kids of my own.. and I am just ill over the new developments.
May 20, 2009 at 10:56:05 AM
Kimmy
Our Prayers and Love are with you Tori!! Always!
May 20, 2009 at 10:56:13 AM
frances
hugs to the family
May 20, 2009 at 10:56:16 AM
Joseph
My families thoughts and prayers are with Tori. Let God take care of you know. Safe and sound.
May 20, 2009 at 10:58:01 AM
ronnie--scaborough
i am so happy that there will be finally peace for the parents of torri,the two that have been arrested i hope the punishment puts them both away for life with no chance of parole.
May 20, 2009 at 10:58:24 AM
Muneezah Jawad
This is so sad. I am sorry for the family. This should not happen again and againt to our precious children.
May 20, 2009 at 10:59:52 AM
AD
Thoughts and prayers going out to the family of this little girl, and of course for Tori's safe return. Prayer that the truth will come out, and that those involved will be appropriately punished. Praying that we will learn from any mistakes made in this case and that it will never ever happen again.
May 20, 2009 at 11:01:36 AM
Issy
Hope she is okay, my thoughts and prayers go to Tori and her parents.
May 20, 2009 at 11:01:47 AM
AH
I hoped and prayed faithfully that she would be found safe, I am so sad to hear this and feel so bad for her parents and brother. No family should have to go through this.
May 20, 2009 at 11:04:18 AM
hv
so sad! Just terrible
May 20, 2009 at 11:06:29 AM
Eric Vaughan
My heart goes out to all involved. I hope they make the most of the son's remaining childhood years.
May 20, 2009 at 11:06:39 AM
Rob
I am angered that it took all this time to come to this conclusion. She should have been found a long time ago, perhaps before it was too late. It is a sad comment on our society and our police resources.
May 20, 2009 at 11:07:30 AM
Sharon
I think the outcome is going to be very sad. But I'll still hope and pray they find her safe. And that God allows the family to be strong through this.
May 20, 2009 at 11:08:53 AM
Petrina Fraser
My heart is breaking for the stafford family right now. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this time and hope Tori is brought home soon!
May 20, 2009 at 11:09:54 AM
kely
I.m sad for this family, may victoria rest in peace. Prayers for the family.....those jerks who did this will pay dearly.....<3
May 20, 2009 at 11:10:06 AM
lola
HOW CAN YOU MESS WITH A CHILDS LIFE???? SHE IS AN INNOCENT LITTLE GIRL WHO IS PROBABLY MISSING HER MOTHER SO MUCH.... I AM A CHILD AND A MOTHER.... WHAT A PAINFUL STORY! PRAYING FOR YOU LITTLE VICTORIA! I HOPE GOD HAS HIS EYES ON YOU.
May 20, 2009 at 11:12:43 AM
Steff
I will pray for your whole family including Tory's brother. I hope Tori is found and brought home.
Blessings to you all in such a tremendously difficult time. As a parent I can't imagine what you are going through.
May 20, 2009 at 11:18:41 AM
Ruby
My thoughts and prayers go out to Tori and her family.
May 20, 2009 at 11:22:32 AM
Jacqueline
Praying Tori is safe and well.
May 20, 2009 at 11:23:01 AM
Renee
this breaks my heart how could people do such things like this.
I hope they find her safe and to bring her home to her family
May 20, 2009 at 11:23:22 AM
Allison
Every child is innocent. Pray for her family whom will need much strength & support from the community. Do not shun them or avoid them because you "don't know what to say" that is more hurtful, send a smile, a quiet hug, or a small touch on the shoulder. Woodstock, do not forget this family.
May 20, 2009 at 11:23:22 AM
Helen Garner
As a mother of an 8 year old girl, my heart and thoughts go out to the family. I am shocked at the outcome. I sit here at work reading the news reports and feeling a heaviness on my chest. There really isnt much anyone can say to make the family feel better.
May 20, 2009 at 11:29:52 AM
Michelle
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family. And prayers for Tori's safe return.
May 20, 2009 at 11:30:26 AM
Sarah
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Tori!. Hold strong and know that your little girl is watching over you and will ALWAYS be with you!
May 20, 2009 at 11:31:19 AM
Sandy
Beatiful Child,Now your an angel.
May 20, 2009 at 11:32:15 AM
Marie
My thoughts and prayers are with Tori's family.
May 20, 2009 at 11:34:53 AM
CM
I am saddened by the fact that someone could do such evil. This is clearly works of the devil. To the parents, God has promised in his word that he will never leave us nor forsake us. As for the individuals who did this to your daughter, God will handle that. Try to stay strong.
May 20, 2009 at 11:36:31 AM
Jun
my thoughts and prayers to all the family today espcially little Victoria where ever you are be strong!
-Jun
May 20, 2009 at 11:38:39 AM
linda
My thoughts are with you and your daughter. I pray she is safe.
May 20, 2009 at 11:42:23 AM
Leah
My heart goes out to Tori and all of her family.
May 20, 2009 at 11:42:45 AM
Tammie
My deepest sympathy to Tori's family, my thoughts, heart and prayers goes out to you all in your time of need.
May 20, 2009 at 11:50:10 AM
noorin
lots of prayers to the family on this occasion....
May 20, 2009 at 11:51:40 AM
Karen
My heart goes out to Tori's family, her parents and brother. I wish there was another way to turn back time and bring Tori home safe. God Bless you Tori, take care little one for you are forever loved by so many.
May 20, 2009 at 11:52:54 AM
Nick and diane
sad so sad,..
May 20, 2009 at 11:56:52 AM
Steve
Sigh, our thoughts and prayers are with Tori's family and friends, and of course most importantly for Tori.
What a tragic and horrible end to this story...Now is the time to grieve - later there will be time to ask questions, including what we can do to better protect our most innocent and vulnerable - our children.
Steve
May 20, 2009 at 11:57:14 AM
Lisa
My heart goes out to this family. This is a tragedy that no parent should ever have to live through, but infortunately in our society it is becoming the norm. We need to ensure that our court system deals with these sick and disturbed individuals in a harsh manner.
May 20, 2009 at 11:59:34 AM
Steve Bunyon
I feel extreme sadness for Tori...An 8 year old should never be victim to such things. I was hopping there would be a happy ending to what was thought to be an abduction, now I can only hope she did not suffer as her end approached.
Brantford
Ontario
May 20, 2009 at 12:01:34 PM
Norma Sanchez
I,m so sorry for yours tremendous lost.
May 20, 2009 at 12:05:04 PM
Julie
Prayers to the family today. May Tori be in the arms of the Lord. God Bless!
May 20, 2009 at 12:05:06 PM
Mary Lou
As community world wide everyone came together hoping for your safe return. God has called you back to him. Blessed is thy, Amen.
May 20, 2009 at 12:07:01 PM
JT
I'm saddened but confused. It says police have not officially released information on the girl's whereabouts. But then it says Police sources tell CP24 that they're still searching for Tori's body. They have charged him with murder so is there a chance she's actually still alive. God I hope so but it sounds confusing.
May 20, 2009 at 12:07:22 PM
PCL in Toronto
God? Prayers? It is now apparent that this poor innocent child was subjected to the moset evil and cruel treatment imaginable. God and prayers did nothing to helopp or protect her.
May 20, 2009 at 12:08:36 PM
Devin
i'm confused by the comments above me because they named the 2 as murder supects for killing the poor child, but yet people are wishing her a safe return home?
May 20, 2009 at 12:09:26 PM
jas
My thoughts are with the family
May 20, 2009 at 12:10:06 PM
Brenda
People who hurt children should be given the death penalty. When are we going to stand up and stop this.
May 20, 2009 at 12:13:07 PM
Susan M.
Prayers go out to Tori and my prayers and thoughts go out to the family.
May 20, 2009 at 12:13:36 PM
Jo-Anne
Tori did nothing to deserve this.She's an innocent little girl.My heart goes out to the parents.
May 20, 2009 at 12:15:15 PM
Njineer in Toronto
Bring back the death penalty for murderers, particularly those who harm children. Prayers for Tori and her family / friends.
May 20, 2009 at 12:16:22 PM
Lynne
May you rest in peace Tori. No matter how many times it happens I can never fathom the reasoning behind hurting or killing a child.
May 20, 2009 at 12:21:33 PM
Joe (Toronto)
God rest her soul and may the good Lord protect her, now and forever... amen.
May 20, 2009 at 12:22:13 PM
JP
So sad to hear that this is the result of a long and emotionally draining search for Tori. My thoughts and prayers are with Tori and her family. How could someone could do this to an innocent child?
May 20, 2009 at 12:22:26 PM
anita -scarborough
Rest in Peace Tori.
You will be missed
May 20, 2009 at 12:23:50 PM
Chinila
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Victoria. I am praying that they will find comfort in each other in this difficult time. God Bless You
May 20, 2009 at 12:27:45 PM
Tiffany
This is a terrible tragedy that my co-workers and I have been following since day one! I speak on behalf of us all when I say that we pray for Tori and send our love and prayers to her family, friends and loved ones! This is terrible and I hope the family get justice!
May 20, 2009 at 12:31:34 PM
Mar
Linda and Trish, just wondering if you actually read the story. My prayers withthe story, but this guy is being charged with murder. Safe return?
I think the police dept have a lot of explaining to do. If this were an Amber Alert, would we still have Tori with us? Please answer that for me OPP.
May 20, 2009 at 12:33:12 PM
S,K & S
Our hearts go out to the family right now. Our deepest condolences.
May 20, 2009 at 12:37:17 PM
Rhonda
My thoughts and prayers are with Tori's family today. R.I.P little angel
May 20, 2009 at 12:41:24 PM
Amanda Drummie
Im am so sorry to hear about your Daughter, I know woodstock is a Small safe town will use to be, I use to live here. and it is very dispointing that this had to happen again I am very sorry,
R.I.P Tori.
May 20, 2009 at 12:44:22 PM
Angela
Bless you Tori
May 20, 2009 at 12:44:31 PM
Sandra D.
My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. She was a sweet little girl who fell victim to violence. May God bless her and give her family strength to continue.
May 20, 2009 at 12:44:32 PM
Tracy
My thoughts are with her family throughout this trying, sad, difficult time.
May 20, 2009 at 12:48:55 PM
donald lalonde and family
my sincere regrets
May 20, 2009 at 12:50:52 PM
Karen Johnson
May the "Lord Shalom Jesus Christ" touch this family with the Peace of God that surpasses understanding. My prayers go out to you
May 20, 2009 at 12:55:42 PM
Leigh
My Thoughts and Prayers go out to the stafford family. I hope the sick people that did this to your baby get what they deserve.
May 20, 2009 at 12:59:00 PM
Martha and Family
Our condolences to the Stanfford family, with all our heart we feel very sorry of your lost one...
A star has been added up in heaven
twinkling and watching over you for ever
look up and take heart.
God bless her.
May 20, 2009 at 1:02:23 PM
MARY J. BRANCACCIO
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY,RIP TORI
May 20, 2009 at 1:03:08 PM
CK
Precious Treasures
Little Tori,
News has just broke,
Now we lay you down to sleep,
we pray the lord, your sole to keep, as we walk with you through the shadows of darkness, do not fear as it is Jesus who will care for you there. Rest in Peace little Angle, Rest in Peace.
May 20, 2009 at 1:03:29 PM
debbie hall
we now have to be strong for this family and community. it is a shame that in our day and age children can't even walk home from school. all concerned will be in my thoughts and prayers.
may god be with you
debbie hall
waterdown ontario
May 20, 2009 at 1:09:58 PM
Deborah Burry
My family's thoughts and prayers are with the family of Tori....,it's a very sad situation and hope that you will all get thru this.....so sorry for your loss
May 20, 2009 at 1:12:29 PM
Jeff
I honestly hope that someone in government is following this story and is ready to conduct a through investigation into the questionable actions of the Oxford Police service. An "amber alert" was evidently called for...
May 20, 2009 at 1:12:42 PM
Sue & Steve - Whitby, ON
This is a very said day and my heart goes out to an innocent child of whom I never met.
I hope & pray that the ones involved are charged the "MAX" and sentenced without mercy given to them where they never see the light of day..... This act is unacceptable and as parents,grand-parents, aunts, uncles ect.. we need to lobby our goverment & political officals to make sure this never happens to another child. Our children are our future and it's up to us to make sure they are protected.
SR
May 20, 2009 at 1:15:33 PM
stacey
I hope that some how, Tori's family can find the strength to get through this. It will be one day at a time. I can't believe that people whom live among us are capable of such cruel and inhumaine acts. my heart goes out to little Tori.
May 20, 2009 at 1:16:52 PM
Eva Blenkinsop, Brantford
My Prayers and thoughts go out to the family of little Tori I feel so bad for them.
and the outcome I was hoping she would come home safe to the family.
Sorry again to the Family
May 20, 2009 at 1:25:03 PM
Kim Heholt
May God bless little tori and family
May 20, 2009 at 1:26:21 PM
DANIELLA from PICKERING
I DIDN'T KNOW YOU TORI, BUT MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
WHAT COULD AN EIGHT YEAR OLD GIRL HAVE DONE TO DESERVE THIS? SHE WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM HER LOVED ONES AND ITS NOT FEARE.
May 20, 2009 at 1:30:38 PM
Patty
to the family...Some day your hearts will mend and you will find peace. Please know that you are not alone...we are all hurting with you.
May 20, 2009 at 1:37:14 PM
Jackie
This is so sad to think what this beautiful child must have gone through sickens my heart.
What is this world coming to!
May 20, 2009 at 1:38:19 PM
Peter
As a father of an 11 year old little girl, I cannot imagine the pain and devistation the family must be feeling right now. My prayers are with them.
May 20, 2009 at 1:38:54 PM
Ken Weinberg, Toronto
Tres sad day. Are they guilty? Not until proven in a court of law.
May 20, 2009 at 1:39:29 PM
Niamh
I've been praying for weeks that little Tori would be found safe and sound. My heart goes out to the families. I am so sorry to hear this news.
May 20, 2009 at 1:42:42 PM
Tina
R.I.P, Tori, you are such a beautiful angel, my prayers are with you Rodney, and the rest of her family.
May 20, 2009 at 1:43:41 PM
jen
I am deep;y saddened by the outcome of this story. it's a shame we live in such a world where the little ones are the ones who suffer. my heart and prayers go out to the parents and may god give you the strength to get through this upsetting, and hurtful event.
May 20, 2009 at 1:46:54 PM
liz
This story is heart breaking.I drove while i heard about tori being murdered and cryed my eyes out.I have children around the same age and i just hope the person or people who did this get what they deserve.Tori your in my heart and youll always be remembered.GOD BLESS
May 20, 2009 at 1:47:00 PM
Steph
My thoughts are with the family...it absolutely disgusts me that there are sick individuals out there who do things like this. It truly saddens me that this innocent little child was taken away from her family and will now never return home... and let me guess these people will be psychologically tested and considered "NUTS" just like the guy who beheaded someone on the greyhound and they wont be held resposible for their actions. When will these innocent children stop being taken from their families so young...when is this ever going to end???
May 20, 2009 at 1:49:30 PM
DC
My heart is heavy with todays events. My thoughts and prayers to the families. God bless Tori and hold her tight forever.
May 20, 2009 at 1:49:33 PM
Denise Edge
To the family of Tori. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this devastating news. I can't imagine this awful crime against an innocent child. My thoughts are with the family and all concerned.
May 20, 2009 at 1:51:36 PM
Cheryl
No human should endure such harm at the hands of another. Poor Tori, so helpless and scared. As a Mom I can't even fathom what her mother must be going through. Look upwards and pull on your faith to guide you through this time.
May 20, 2009 at 1:53:45 PM
Susan Moore
Our hearts go out to Tori's entire family. This is a horrible event and it really hits home when you have children of your own around Tori's age. She has touched everyone's hearts and this story makes you realize that no one is safe any more. Much sympathy to the family.
May 20, 2009 at 1:56:04 PM
Ida G
Victoria and her family,
I can only hope you a safe return home, but the news is unknown. We all wait by the t.v. and computer to see if you will get a safe return. If you aren't able to return home safely, I hope that you didnt suffer to much pain, and your journey to your new home was a safe trip home. My heart, thoughts, prayers,and emotions are with you and your family. May the angels guide you all through this ruff time.
May 20, 2009 at 1:56:23 PM
Debora Nike (Toronto)
My prayers are to the family today.Be strong for each other and for Tori's brother he will need lots of TLC these next few days. My hope is that tori comes home safe.
May 20, 2009 at 2:55:49 PM
Grieve Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.