Accused murderer Joseph Knelsen has been released from Vancouver Island Correctional Centre on a $100,000 surety bail.
Knelsen,44, is charged with the first-degree murder of 53-year-old Gordon Berg. Berg’s body was found in his Mill Hill home in Langford on March 7. At the time of Berg’s death, Knelsen was living in Langford, but originally hails from Vanderhoof, B.C.
Shortly after the bail hearing, Knelsen left Victoria and moved back to Vanderhoof to live with his mother as part of his bail conditions.
His conditions include not being able to leave his mother’s residence without a family member unless he is going to work. He is banned from consuming alcohol, leaving the province and had to surrender his passport.
“Mr. Knelsen will be vigorously challenging these allegations,” said Paul Pearson, Knelsen’s lawyer. “He is very happy he is able to live with his family and focus on defending himself.”
Knelsen will arrive at Western Communities Courthouse in person on Oct. 11 for the start of the preliminary inquiry, held from Oct. 11 to 14, and then Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.
Police have disclosed Knelsen and Berg knew each other, and there was a weapon involved, but have not released many details in the case.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com