The mother of two young boys from Saint John, tragically killed by their father, expressed that no legal sentence can undo the immense loss of her beloved sons. Following the sentencing of Roman Kamyshnyy to life imprisonment without parole for 25 years, she stated that the pain of losing her children and the enduring sorrow will never diminish, regardless of the court’s decisions.
Kamyshnyy, aged 46, received the mandatory sentence of life in prison after being convicted of two counts of first-degree murder for the killings of his 10 and 17-year-old sons. The presiding judge, Justice Darrell Stephenson, highlighted that the law requires these sentences to be served concurrently, emphasizing the limitations of his judicial authority in such cases.
The judge condemned Kamyshnyy’s heinous actions, labeling his motive as driven by vengeance, a sentiment echoed by the majority of the jurors who attended the sentencing. The court heard how Kamyshnyy meticulously planned and executed the murders in a gruesome manner to inflict maximum pain on his ex-wife, Witness A, following the breakdown of their marriage.
Witness A, who divorced Kamyshnyy shortly before the tragic incident, was not present during the killings, which took place in the family’s residence in Saint John. The trial revealed that Kamyshnyy fatally stabbed both boys, with evidence indicating a violent struggle and the harrowing ordeal captured in a 911 call played during proceedings.
The Crown prosecutor, Elaina Campbell, described the murders as a betrayal of epic proportions, highlighting how the community, including parents, friends, and authorities, grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy. The impact of the boys’ deaths reverberated throughout Saint John, leaving a lasting scar on the community’s collective consciousness.
During the sentencing, Kamyshnyy expressed selective memory regarding the events and attempted to shift blame to his ex-wife before being stopped by the judge. The court imposed several conditions on him, including restrictions on contact with specific individuals, a DNA sample submission, a prohibition on possessing firearms, and the payment of a victim fine surcharge.
While the possibility of an appeal remains uncertain, the parole board will determine Kamyshnyy’s eligibility for parole after he serves the mandatory 25-year term. The mother of the slain boys, through her lawyer Mel Norton, emphasized her sons’ vibrant lives and expressed gratitude for the support received during this traumatic ordeal, focusing on honoring their memory and finding solace amidst the grief.