10/19/12 - One of two men charged in a gruesome murder last year in Green Oak Township was sentenced Thursday during an emotional hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court. Brian Jeffrey Stafford of Brighton Township was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the murder and dismemberment of 40-year-old Christopher London Townsend of Lyon Township on October 15th, 2011. Stafford pleaded guilty last month to charges of 2nd degree murder and disinterment/mutilation of a dead body in exchange for other charges being dropped and that he be granted the possibility of parole. Staffordâs attorney Raymond Cassar was satisfied with the sentence and hopes that the parole board will consider testimony from the victim family when making its decision. 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. The victimâs children directly addressed Stafford several times in the courtroom, who appeared distraught during the entire proceeding. The children and Townsendâs sister told Stafford they forgave him and hoped that jail would help him heal and find inner peace. Retiring Livingston County Prosecutor David Morse told WHMI he was satisfied with the sentence, even though he would have preferred that Stafford not be eligible for parole. During his closing remarks, he noted that Stafford was fascinated by violence and that the murder was clearly a premeditated act because Stafford had multiple chances to prevent Townsendâs death. Stafford was originally charged with co-defendant George Robert Tanner for the murder of the Townsend and the burning of his body on wooded property in Green Oak Township owned by Tannerâs uncle. Tannerâs case remains on hold pending an appeal.(JM)
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