Second brother charged in New Westminster murder gets life sentence

The second of two brothers charged in a man’s death in New Westminster almost three years ago has been sentenced.

On November 19, 2021, 51-year-old Robert Powshuk entered a Waves Coffee House on Columbia Street with life-threatening injuries and bled to death.

Two brothers were later charged with murder: Curtis Crossley and brother Ryan Crossley.

Curtis pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter last year and was sentenced to 9.5 years in prison.

Investigators announced Thursday that Ryan received a life sentence for second-degree murder this week, with no eligibility for parole for 14 years.

“This was an extremely graphic and disturbing incident that occurred in our downtown core,” Deputy Chief Const. Paul Hyland said.

According to an agreed statement of facts, the Crossley brothers were captured on security video confronting Powshuk in the alcove of a building at 680 Clarkson street.

Ryan sprayed Powshuk in the face with a can of bear spray, and Curtis slashed him in the arm with a knife, though didn’t injure him.

Ryan then stabbed Powshuk multiple times, and both brothers kicked him when he fell to the ground. Curtis then sprayed him in the face with the bear spray.

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— With files from Simon Little