'It Was an Accident, I Swear to God': Man Found Guilty of Stabbing Roommate 23 Times After Gaming Session

Paul Martin was found guilty of second-degree murder on Friday, 18 September, according to the North Delta Reporter. The fatal stabbing followed an altercation between the roommates while they were playing video games, according to evidence reported during the trial.

Martin told authorities that the stabbing was a 'bad accident'. He reportedly told police, 'It was an accident, I swear to God.'

The victim was identified as 57-year-old Robb Memory, who suffered multiple wounds to the chest and upper back after Martin stabbed him 23 times with a large knife.

A Stabbing That Stemmed From a Gaming Session

Evidence presented during the trial indicated that the two men had been playing video games at a house in the 19100-block of 68 Avenue. An altercation allegedly occurred, which ended with Martin using a large knife to stab his roommate 23 times.

Firefighters discovered Memory's body at the Surrey home on 27 August. Police were subsequently called to the scene, where Martin was arrested.

The stab wounds were mostly concentrated on the victim's chest and upper back, according to details reported following the trial. Memory's injuries formed part of the evidence considered by the jury in determining whether the death amounted to murder.

During the trial, Martin maintained that the stabbing was not intentional, describing the incident as a 'bad accident'. His account was presented against the prosecution's case that the circumstances amounted to second-degree murder.

During the trial, Martin claimed that Memory had taunted him about his bisexuality, an allegation that formed part of his account of the incident. Martin said the alleged taunts caused him to 'lose it' and told the court, 'Mr. Memory really f**ked with my head.'

He reportedly told police, 'It was an accident, I swear to God.'

Jury Finds Martin Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

Despite Martin's claims that the incident was unintentional, the jury found him guilty of second-degree murder. Justice Barbara Norell described the case as 'a tragic case of two roommates who did not get along'.

In Canada, second-degree murder is a murder offence that does not fall within the circumstances defined as first-degree murder. Following his conviction for second-degree murder, Martin faces a mandatory life sentence under Canada's Criminal Code.

However, his sentencing will determine how long he must serve before becoming eligible to apply for parole. For second-degree murder, the law provides for a life sentence, with parole ineligibility set at a minimum of 10 years. A sentencing judge can increase that period to more than 10 years, up to a maximum of 25 years.

Martin is due to appear in court on 24 September to set a date for his sentencing hearing. During the hearing, lawyers will make submissions on the length of time he should serve before becoming eligible to apply for parole.

Family Remembers Robb Memory

Memory's family remembered him as a caring and generous person following his death. His father, Cecil Memory, also thanked investigators for their work.

'Robb was a caring and generous person. The family appreciates the hard work and dedication of IHIT,' Cecil Memory said in a statement.

The tribute was issued after the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team identified Memory as the victim and announced that a second-degree murder charge had been laid in connection with his death.