Judge reminds Stafford jurors not to discuss trial

The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of killing Victoria (Tori) Stafford warned jurors Tuesday not to discuss what is happening inside the London, Ont., courtroom with others.

Superior Court Judge Thomas Heeney told the jurors that a report surfaced on Monday suggesting that someone had posted a message on Facebook quoting a member of the jury.

While the report turned out to be false — it was a posting from the relative of a potential juror who was not chosen to be part of the jury — Heeney reminded the jurors not to communicate the details of the trial to anyone.

He said it reinforced their "duty to keep an open mind."

The trial got underway Monday, almost three years after Stafford disappeared from a school in Woodstock, Ont.

Michael Rafferty, 31, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and abduction.

The trial continues in London.