Surrey man convicted of second-degree murder in roommate’s stabbing death

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Barbara Norell convicted Surrey resident Paul John Martin, 48, of second-degree murder in the death of his 57-year-old roommate, Robb Memory. The verdict was delivered Friday, Sept. 18, in New Westminster.

Memory was killed at a house in the 19100-block of 68 Avenue on Aug. 24, 2023. The court heard that Martin stabbed him 23 times in the chest and upper back with a large knife while Memory was playing a video game. Norell described the case as a tragedy involving two roommates who did not get along and argued frequently.

Martin told police that Memory had taunted him about being bisexual. He said he had not intended to kill Memory and described the attack as an accident, saying he did not know what he was doing at the time.

A conviction for second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence. Martin is to appear in court Sept. 24 to set a date for a sentencing hearing, when counsel will make submissions on when he may apply for parole.