The mother of two boys from Saint John who were fatally stabbed by their father expressed that no legal judgment can restore her sons, who were her greatest joy. Following Roman Kamyshnyy’s sentencing in the New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, his ex-wife conveyed that nothing in the courtroom can diminish the pain of losing her children and the sorrow she will carry forever. Kamyshnyy, aged 46, received a life sentence without parole for 25 years after being found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his 10 and 17-year-old sons.
During the sentencing, Justice Darrell Stephenson explained that the sentence was mandated by the Criminal Code, specifying that both murder charges must be served concurrently. He emphasized the limitations of his judicial authority, expressing his frustration with the case. The judge described Kamyshnyy’s actions as heinous and their profound impact on the victims’ lives, particularly on his ex-wife and her family.
The motive behind Kamyshnyy’s crime was identified as vengeance by the judge, who highlighted the jurors’ presence at the sentencing. Evidence presented during the trial revealed Kamyshnyy’s meticulous plan to carry out the murders to inflict maximum harm on his ex-wife following their recent divorce.
The Crown prosecutor described the betrayal suffered by the victims, emphasizing the devastating effects of the murders on the community. Several victim impact statements were submitted, detailing the profound loss and trauma experienced by the families, friends, and the wider Saint John community.
Kamyshnyy, in a court address, claimed memory loss regarding the events of the day and mentioned a failed suicide attempt. He continued to shift blame onto his ex-wife before the judge intervened. The imposed sentence included stringent conditions, barring Kamyshnyy from contact with specific individuals and possessing firearms, among other restrictions.
The parole board will decide on Kamyshnyy’s potential parole eligibility after serving the minimum 25-year term. The victims’ loved ones emphasized the lasting impact of the tragedy on their lives and the community, expressing gratitude for the support received during this harrowing ordeal. The mother of the boys emphasized the need to commemorate her sons for their lives, personalities, and aspirations, rather than focusing solely on their tragic deaths.
