10/15/12 - One of two men charged in a gruesome murder last year in Green Oak Township is set to be sentenced this week. Brian Jeffrey Stafford of Brighton Township pleaded guilty last month to a charge of 2nd degree murder for aiding and abetting in the death of Christopher London Townsend of Lyon Township. Stafford will be sentenced Thursday by Livingston County Circuit Judge David Reader. Under terms of the plea deal, Stafford would be eligible for parole in 15 years, but officials say because parole boards typically deny parole for this type of offense, Stafford would likely serve at least 20 years in prison before being paroled. Stafford can also withdraw his plea if Judge Reader doesnât agree to the deal. He was originally charged along with co-defendant George Robert Tanner with murdering and dismembering the 40-year old Townsend before burning his body on wooded property in Green Oak Township that was owned by Tannerâs uncle on October 15th, 2011. Tannerâs case remains on hold pending an appeal. (JM)
↧