The mother of two boys from Saint John who were fatally stabbed by their father last year expressed that no legal ruling can bring back her sons, whom she described as the “greatest joy” of her life. Following the sentencing of Roman Kamyshnyy to life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 25 years, the ex-wife of Kamyshnyy conveyed in a statement that the court proceedings cannot alleviate the profound loss of her children or the enduring sorrow she will bear.
Kamyshnyy, aged 46, received the mandatory life sentence without parole eligibility for 25 years after being found guilty by a jury in June of two counts of first-degree murder in the tragic deaths of his 10-year-old and 17-year-old sons. Justice Darrell Stephenson, while delivering the sentence in the New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, acknowledged the legal constraints dictating the imposed sentence as per the Criminal Code, emphasizing that the sentences for the two murder charges are to be served concurrently.
Addressing the courtroom, Justice Stephenson expressed the limitations of his judicial authority, stating that the severity and brutality of Kamyshnyy’s actions, driven by a motive of vengeance as determined by the jury, defy adequate description. The impact of Kamyshnyy’s heinous acts on the lives of numerous individuals, particularly his ex-wife, identified as Witness A due to a publication ban, and her family, was emphasized by Justice Stephenson.
During the trial, evidence and testimonies revealed the calculated plan executed by Kamyshnyy to harm his children in a gruesome manner as a means of seeking retribution against his ex-wife following the dissolution of their marriage. The court proceedings detailed how Kamyshnyy fatally stabbed his sons multiple times in their residence, with the elder son engaging in a violent struggle against his father before succumbing to the fatal attack, as recounted by witnesses and forensic evidence presented.
Crown prosecutor Elaina Campbell characterized the brutal murders as an act of betrayal of monumental proportions, highlighting the profound impact on the community and the enduring trauma inflicted on various individuals. The court heard victim impact statements from several individuals, including Witness A’s family members, police officers, and community figures, underscoring the lasting repercussions of the tragedy on their lives and the broader Saint John community.
Despite maintaining his lack of recollection of the tragic events, Kamyshnyy offered a statement to the court, expressing partial responsibility while continuing to assign blame to his ex-wife. The court imposed additional conditions on Kamyshnyy, including restrictions on contact with specific individuals, prohibition from possessing firearms or weapons, submission of a DNA sample, and payment of a victim fine surcharge. The possibility of an appeal was left unaddressed by Kamyshnyy’s defense lawyer, Shanna Wicks, following the sentencing.
Looking ahead, the parole board will assess Kamyshnyy’s eligibility for parole post the minimum 25-year incarceration period. The enduring impact of the loss and the process of healing and rebuilding lives were emphasized by Witness A and her family, reflecting on the irreplaceable memories of their loved ones and the everlasting impact of the tragedy.