The mother of two boys from Saint John, who were tragically murdered by their father, expressed that no legal judgment can compensate for the loss of her beloved sons, who brought her immense happiness. Following the sentencing of Roman Kamyshnyy to life in prison without parole for 25 years by the New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, his ex-wife conveyed in a statement that the court proceedings cannot alleviate the pain of losing her children.
Kamyshnyy, aged 46, was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his 10 and 17-year-old sons. The judge, Darrell Stephenson, explained that the sentence was mandated by the Criminal Code and must be served concurrently for each charge. Despite the gravity of the situation, Justice Stephenson refrained from further addressing Kamyshnyy after the sentencing.
The motive behind Kamyshnyy’s heinous actions was described by the judge as an act of “vengeance,” a sentiment echoed by the majority of jurors who attended the sentencing. The courtroom was witness to the appalling impact of Kamyshnyy’s actions on his ex-wife, referred to as Witness A, and her family.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Kamyshnyy meticulously planned and executed the murders to inflict maximum harm on his ex-wife following their recent divorce. The brutal nature of the crimes was highlighted by the multiple stab wounds inflicted on the children in their apartment.
Prosecutor Elaina Campbell emphasized the magnitude of the betrayal suffered by the victims, particularly the elder son who fought fiercely for his life against his own father. The community was deeply affected by the tragedy, with parents struggling to explain the events to their peers and law enforcement officers left emotionally scarred.
Kamyshnyy, who maintained memory loss regarding the events, attempted suicide after the murders. Despite showing no reaction to the sentencing, he was subjected to various conditions, including a ban on contact with specific individuals, the submission of a DNA sample, and prohibition from possessing firearms.
The impact of the murders extended far beyond the immediate families, with several individuals submitting poignant victim impact statements. Witness A’s mother described the incident as a lasting trauma that shattered trust but emphasized the enduring memories of happiness shared with the victims.
Lastly, the mother of the boys expressed gratitude for the support received during the ordeal and vowed to honor her sons’ memories as she navigates the challenging journey of rebuilding her life.