Passengers of a B.C. transit bus took the stand on Monday to testify in the murder trial of a man accused of fatally stabbing another passenger.
The incident occurred on a busy bus in Surrey, B.C. on the afternoon of July 25, 2019. The victim, 29-year-old Tyler Pastuck, was on his way home from work when he was attacked by a fellow passenger, 27-year-old Brandon Teixeira.
According to witnesses, Teixeira boarded the bus and immediately began arguing with Pastuck. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, during which Teixeira allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Pastuck multiple times.
Passengers on the bus described the chaotic scene, with some attempting to intervene and others fleeing in fear. One passenger, who was sitting near the front of the bus, testified that she saw Teixeira holding a knife and heard him say, “I’m going to kill you.”
Another passenger, who was sitting near the back of the bus, testified that she saw Teixeira and Pastuck fighting and then saw Teixeira pull out a knife and stab Pastuck in the chest.
The bus driver, who also took the stand, recalled hearing screams and seeing Teixeira holding a knife before he quickly pulled over and called for help.
Pastuck was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Teixeira was arrested shortly after the incident and has been charged with second-degree murder.
The trial, which began on Monday, is expected to last several weeks. Teixeira has pleaded not guilty to the charge and his defense team has argued that he acted in self-defense.
The Crown, however, maintains that Teixeira’s actions were premeditated and that he intended to kill Pastuck.
The trial will continue with more witness testimonies and evidence being presented in the coming days. The court will ultimately determine whether Teixeira is guilty of the murder of Tyler Pastuck.
