The mother of two boys from Saint John who were fatally stabbed by their father last year expressed that no legal punishment can alleviate the pain of losing her beloved sons. In a statement following the sentencing of Roman Kamyshnyy to life in prison without parole for 25 years, she conveyed that nothing in the courtroom can diminish the void left by her children’s tragic deaths.
Kamyshnyy, aged 46, was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the killings of his 10 and 17-year-old sons. The presiding judge, Justice Darrell Stephenson, mentioned that the sentencing was mandated by the Criminal Code, compelling concurrent life terms for each charge. Despite the severity of the crime, Stephenson expressed feeling constrained by the legal framework, emphasizing the heinous nature of Kamyshnyy’s actions.
The judge labeled Kamyshnyy’s motive as a quest for vengeance, a sentiment echoed by the jury members who attended the sentencing. Evidence presented during the trial revealed the deliberate planning and execution of the murders in a gruesome manner to inflict maximum pain on the ex-wife. Kamyshnyy’s ex-wife, identified as Witness A due to a publication ban, and her family were highlighted by Stephenson as the most affected by the tragedy.
In a heart-wrenching display, the Crown prosecutor emphasized the betrayal suffered by the 17-year-old victim, known as C.D., who fought for his life against his own father. The murders were described as deeply impacting the community, leading to a profound shift in the Saint John area’s social fabric. The court heard victim impact statements from various individuals, including Witness A’s family members, police officers, and community figures, all underscoring the enduring trauma caused by the tragedy.
Kamyshnyy, who claimed memory loss regarding the events of the day and attempted suicide after the murders, showed no visible reaction to the imposed sentence. The conditions of his incarceration include restrictions on contact with the ex-wife and her family, a prohibition on firearms, and a victim fine surcharge. The possibility of an appeal was left unanswered by the defense counsel, with the parole board set to decide on Kamyshnyy’s parole eligibility after serving the minimum 25-year term.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the horrific incident, the focus shifts towards honoring the memory of the victims and supporting those affected by the tragedy. The profound impact of the loss was reflected in victim impact statements, emphasizing the enduring scars left by the senseless act. The mother of the boys expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and kindness received during the darkest moments, stressing the importance of keeping her sons’ memory alive while navigating the journey of grief and rebuilding life.
