A 27-year-old woman convicted of second-degree murder in the death of teenager Matthew Martins was granted bail yesterday, and will live with her parents while she awaits a new trial.
The victim’s mother, Sandra Martins-Toner, clutched a photo of her son and whispered, “I can’t believe this is happening” as the judge rendered his decision, then broke down sobbing.
Katherine Quinn and Robert Forslund were sentenced to life in prison in 2007 after the 2005 beating death of 16-year-old Martins outside the Surrey SkyTrain station.
Quinn appealed her conviction, and on June 12 she was granted a new trial.
Under the conditions of her release, Quinn may not leave the house or use the phone except for medical reasons, and she cannot contact Forslund, her boyfriend.
Quinn’s defence argued that the bail terms were “more restrictive than jail,” a claim that Martins’ parents said was “ridiculous.”
“How can it be worse when she’s entitled to see her children … and I don’t even get to spend a moment with my child,” said Martins-Toner.
“My child died in a way no wild animal should ever die. Not only has (the criminal justice system) failed my child, but they have failed all of you. No one is safe now.”
“I want to go home,” she then whispered to her husband.
