LONDON, Ont. - Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a man accused of killing an eight-year-old girl who went missing outside her Woodstock school.

Michael Rafferty, 31, is charged with first-degree murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and kidnapping in the death of Victoria Stafford.

The trial proper is expected to begin next week and last three months, though Superior Court Judge Thomas Heeney told potential jurors Monday that the trial could last into June.

Of the 224 people who went before the judge Monday, about three-quarters were excused for various reasons such as financial hardship, medical issues and travel plans. Several people said they had children around the same age as Tori and thought serving on the jury would be too difficult.

The remaining 63 people were asked to return on Wednesday for the next stage of jury selection, in which the lawyers will ask them questions. Twelve jurors and two alternates are selected for jury trials.

Tori disappeared while on her way home from school in Woodstock, Ont., on April 8, 2009, and her body was found three months later.

Terri-Lynne McClintic, now 21, has already been convicted of first-degree murder in the girl's death.

A total of 1,375 people have been summoned for jury duty this week and next, and they could end up serving on the Rafferty trial or any other criminal or civil jury trial starting during that period.

Rafferty's trial was moved from Woodstock to nearby London in light of publicity surrounding the girl's death.

His lawyer, Dirk Derstine, suggested outside court that people should keep an open mind.

"I expect that the evidence to be called will be different than what everybody is perhaps expecting," he said.

The trial is also expected to draw extensive media coverage, so Heeney has set some ground rules. Reporters can use devices such as laptops or smartphones but won't be allowed to transmit from the courtroom.

However, a satellite courtroom will be set up for the trial, from which reporters will be allowed to electronically transmit information.

Members of the public won't be permitted to use personal electronic devices in either courtroom.

During the trial the jury is set to visit the site where Tori's body was found.