Life sentence, no parole for 14 years for man convicted of murder in New Westminster stabbing
A man convicted of second-degree murder for a fatal stabbing in New Westminster has been handed a life sentence with no parole eligibility for 14 years, homicide investigators announced Thursday.
Ryan Crossley received his sentence on April 23 in connection to the 2021 killing of 51-year-old Robert Powshuk. On Nov. 19 of that year, Powshuk entered a coffee shop on Columbia Street with life-threatening injuries. In spite of help from first responders, Powshuk died.
Video surveillance video revealed Powshuk was "involved in a violent altercation" with two men, investigators said, who were later identified as Crossley brothers, Ryan and Curtis.
Ryan was found guilty by a jury of second-degree murder on Sept. 23, 2023.
Curtis pleaded guilty to manslaughter in August 2023 and was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years in prison, with no parole eligibility. An agreed upon statement of facts said while Curtis was holding a knife during the attack, all of the victim's stab wounds were inflicted by Ryan.
"Curtis Crossley did nothing to stop Ryan Crossley, but rather participated in the assault, including kicking Mr. Powshuk as he lay on the ground," Justice Andrew Mayer wrote in his sentencing decision for Curtis last year, 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, Mayer noted.
"This was an extremely graphic and disturbing incident that occurred in our downtown core," said Deputy Chief Const. Paul Hyland in a statement released Thursday. "I want to thank the (New West Police Department) members who first responded to the scene as well as those members who assisted IHIT in bringing this file to its conclusion with a successful conviction and sentencing of these two subjects."
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Lisa Steacy
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.