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. BergB次元官网网址檚 body was found in his Mill Hill home in Langford on March 7. At the time of BergB次元官网网址檚 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 motherB次元官网网址檚 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.

B次元官网网址淢r. Knelsen will be vigorously challenging these allegations,B次元官网网址� said Paul Pearson, KnelsenB次元官网网址檚 lawyer. B次元官网网址淗e is very happy he is able to live with his family and focus on defending himself.B次元官网网址�

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