Man sentenced in stabbing death of 'defenceless' victim in New Westminster
![New Westminster homicide New Westminster homicide](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2021/11/22/new-westminster-homicide-1-5676545-1637611865948.png)
One of two brothers who "savagely attacked" a man in New Westminster in has been sentenced after pleading guilty to manslaughter, according to a recent court decision.
Curtis Crossley, along with his brother Ryan, was charged with second-degree murder in 2021. The victim, Robert Powshuk died in hospital soon after walking into a downtown New Westminster coffee shop "bleeding heavily," police said at the time.
In a decision handed down last month, Justice Andrew Mayer sentenced Curtis to nine-and a-half years for his "secondary role" in the killing.
An agreed upon statement of facts describes what unfolded on the morning of Nov. 19, 2021 – much of which was captured on surveillance video.
The victim died from stab wounds, all of which were inflicted by Ryan. However, both brothers were brandishing knives and were involved in the deadly attack, the judge said.
"Curtis Crossley did nothing to stop Ryan Crossley, but rather participated in the assault, including kicking Mr. Powshuk as he lay on the ground," the judge wrote, describing the aggravating factors in the case.
"Mr. Powshuk was defenceless throughout this attack. After the attack, Curtis Crossley sprayed Mr. Powshuk in the face with bear spray as he lay on the ground."
Curtis also helped his brother clean up the scene and threw his own knife into the Fraser River after the pair fled, the judge noted.
The sentencing decision does not say what motivated the stabbing or how the Crossleys knew Powshuk but police described the killing as "targeted."
Another aggravating factor in the case was Curtis' criminal history, which includes a previous conviction for manslaughter related to a home invasion he perpetrated when he was 18.
Mitigating factors in the case included Curtis' guilty plea, his cognitive deficits, and his mental illness and substance abuse.
After receiving credit for time served, Curtis will spend six years and 185 days in prison.
Ryan is still facing a murder charge and has been ordered to stand trial, according to publicly available court records.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6977430.1721929538!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure after the YouTube series is being developed for TV and film, according to a report by Variety.