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By James Peters

Brian Townsend

Killer who dumped teenager’s body near Savona granted full parole

Dec 9, 2020 | 9:59 AM

KAMLOOPS — A man who killed a Quebec teenage hitchhiker and dumped his body near Savona in 2000 has been granted full parole.

The Parole Board of Canada granted the increased freedom to Brian Townsend on December 2.

Townsend beat 15-year-old Vivien Morzuch to death with a bat in July, 2000 after giving the boy a ride. Morzuch’s body was found in a ditch near the entrance to Steelhead Provincial Park.

Townsend, now 71, was convicted of second degree murder in 2008 and sentenced to life in prison the next year.

The parole board granted him day parole in December, 2017. His freedoms were last extended in June of this year.

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In its most recent decision granting Townsend full parole as of December 20, the board concedes that Townsend is maintaining a version of the events that led to the murder that was rejected by the jury.

However, it notes Townsend has made progress reintegrating into society, seeking sobriety and getting married to a woman whom the board considers “a positive source of support”. The couple lives on Vancouver Island.

Townsend’s parole agreement includes conditions to report any changes in his relationships, abstain from drugs or alcohol and avoid contact with Morzuch’s family.