LONDON, Ont. – The man accused in the murder of Tori Stafford will not take the stand in his own defence.

CityNews Channel reported that the announcement came out in court, Tuesday, as Michael Rafferty’s defence lawyer began laying out his case.

Stafford vanished outside her elementary school in Woodstock, Ont., on April 8, 2009, and her remains were found four months later.

Rafferty has been charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and sexual assault in connection with the case.