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One man charged, another in custody in downtown New West killing

A second man is still in custody
Waves
A man who was heavily bleeding when he entered the Waves Coffee House on Columbia Street early this morning has become the city's fifth homicide victim of 2021.

A 31-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man in downtown New Westminster on Friday.

Later that day, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), in partnership with the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD), arrested two people for their alleged involvement in the homicide.

Ryan Crossley, age 31, has been arrested for the murder of 51-year-old Robert Powshuk. Both are from New Westminster. The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) has charged Ryan Crossley with second-degree murder. A second suspect remains in custody.

“Homicide investigators are still determining that person’s involvement,” said an IHIT news release. “There are no other persons believed involved at this time. There is no further risk to the public. IHIT wishes to thank its partners in NWPD and the Forensic Identification Section (FIS) for their quick actions and assistance. Although charges have been laid, the investigation is still in its early stages.”

A heavily bleeding man walked into the Waves Coffee House on Columbia Street early Friday morning, becoming New Westminster’s fifth homicide victim of 2021.