July 2009
Volume 16, Issue 7
A security camera outside a Surrey Central SkyTrain station captured the last six minutes of Matthew Martins' life, as he was beaten and had his throat slashed. These six minutes motivated the title of Martins' mother's book. Sandra Martins-Toner has authored a book titled, “The Last Six Minutes: A Mother's Loss and Quest for Justice”, to ensure that her son will never be forgotten.
TRobert Forslund, then 28, was convicted for the murder and is serving a life sentence. His girlfriend, Katherine Quinn, now 27, was convicted of second-degree murder as well, but has recently been granted a new trial.
In her book, Matthew's mother recalls of how her son's death left her frightened, guilty, and filled with sorrow and a deep hatred for his murderers.
Says Martins-Toner: “There were times I, honest to God, thought this is not worth it, all the pain.”
Martins-Toner and her husband founded the victim's advocacy group Families Against Crime and Trauma, FACT, dedicated to helping others in similar circumstances contend with the aftermath of violent crime. The organization also lobbies the government for changes to the law in support of victims.
"We reach out to other families and guide them through the process. Some people think it's healthier to put things behind you and move on. Matty was my best friend and I can't do that. If I hadn't done this, hadn't reached out to others, I think I would have already lost my mind," Martins-Toner said.
Martin-Toner's book is due for release in bookstores soon, and is already available at www.aaspirationspublishing.com/the-last-six-minutes.html.