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Female Suspect in Tori Stafford Case has Charges Upgraded to First-Degree Murder

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new-charges-tori-stafford-case1The charge against an 18-year-old woman accused in the abduction of eight-year-old Tori Stafford has been upgraded to first-degree murder, Thursday.

Terri-Lynne McClintic was originally charged as an accomplice to murder. Her abduction charge was also changed to unlawful confinement.

McClintic and her co-accused Michael Rafferty, 28, who has been charged with first-degree murder as well, appeared in court today in Woodstock via video link.

Rafferty's abduction charge has also become an unlawful confinement charge.

Rafferty's case is adjourned until June 12, with McClintic's next video remand scheduled for June 23.

Hal Mattson, the lawyer for Rafferty, had told 680News that there would be some significant things happening in court today. "There may be something of a legal nature that's going to happen," Mattson said.

Although he didn't elaborate on the details, he did suggest that it might have something to do in part with asking the court to have Rafferty's charges separated from McClintic's.

He said Rafferty has been instructed not to talk to police. "As you probably know, everyone has the right not to say anything and the right to remain silent, and that's what we're trying to encourage our client to do," he said.

Mattson said he will be asking for a postponement today, so he can learn of all the information police have, "especially the statement from the young girl, who they seem to think is giving them information that has led to our client."

He also said that Rafferty has support from his loved ones. McClintic's lawyer told 680News her client has been having a tough time behind bars, and that she was in tears the last time she saw her.

Meanwhile, the search continued on Wednesday for the remains of Stafford, in Oxford County alongside Highway 401. Police said they were searching the area not because of a tip.

Stafford went missing April 8 on her way home from school in Woodstock.

Read more at 680News.com

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