Joseph Knelsen appeared in Western Communities Courthouse via video on Thursday on a first degree murder charge, but a bail hearing isn’t expected for at least three weeks.
Knelsen, 44, is charged with the murder of Gordon Berg, 53. Berg’s body was found in his Jeanine Drive home in the Mill Hill area around 11 p.m. on March 7. Knelsen was arrested without incident near Western Speedway the next morning.
Police have disclosed the Langford men knew each other and there was a weapon involved, but few details surrounding the altercation have been released. Two women were at the residence around the time of the alleged homicide and are considered witnesses.
Defense lawyer Paul Pearson explained to the court he is waiting for the West Shore RCMP to release two witness statements and his client’s statement. Pearson and the Crown prosecution said the statements won’t be relased by RCMP investigators for three weeks.
“I am asking this matter rollover to get some disclosure,” Pearson said. “It’s frustrating from the defense perspective. I can’t do anything for three weeks.”
Once given copies of the statements, he will apply for bail on behalf of Knelsen, Pearson said. Knelsen is currently in custody at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre. His next court appearance is March 24.
