The mother of two boys from Saint John, who were fatally stabbed by their father last year, expressed that no sentence can replace her sons, who were her greatest joy. Following the sentencing of Roman Kamyshnyy to life in prison without parole for 25 years for the first-degree murders of the 10-year-old and 17-year-old boys, his ex-wife released a statement stating that the courtroom proceedings cannot alleviate the immense loss and grief she will carry forever.
The judge, Justice Darrell Stephenson, highlighted that the imposed sentence was mandatory under the Criminal Code, with both murder charges to be served concurrently. He emphasized the severity of Kamyshnyy’s actions, attributing his motive to vengeance against his ex-wife for their marriage’s end. The trial revealed the gruesome details of how Kamyshnyy meticulously planned and executed the murders to hurt his former spouse.
The Crown prosecutor described the betrayal as monumental, emphasizing that the father, who should have protected his son, instead turned against him in a violent manner. The impact of the murders reverberated through the community, leaving parents, classmates, and law enforcement deeply affected.
Kamyshnyy, who claimed memory loss regarding the events of the killings, faced additional conditions in his sentence, including restrictions on contact with his ex-wife and her family, a ban on firearms, and a victim fine surcharge. The defense lawyer did not comment on the possibility of an appeal, leaving the decision to the parole board after the minimum 25-year term.
Numerous victim impact statements were submitted, portraying the lasting anguish and trauma inflicted by Kamyshnyy’s actions. The mother of the boys emphasized that her sons’ lives should be remembered for their joy and promise, not the tragic circumstances of their deaths. Witness A’s family members detailed the profound impact on their lives, expressing enduring memories of love and happiness shared with the boys.
As the community continues to heal and rebuild, the focus remains on honoring the boys’ legacies and finding solace amidst the heartbreak caused by the unfathomable tragedy.