The mother of two boys from Saint John, tragically killed by their father, expressed that no legal sentence can replace her sons, whom she described as the greatest joy of her life. After Roman Kamyshnyy was sentenced to life in prison without parole for 25 years for the first-degree murder of his two sons, aged 10 and 17, his ex-wife shared a statement emphasizing the irreplaceable loss she feels.
During the sentencing in the New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, Justice Darrell Stephenson highlighted that the predetermined sentence under the Criminal Code mandates no chance of parole for 25 years for each count of first-degree murder, which must run concurrently. He expressed the limitations of his judicial authority in the face of the tragic case and the profound impact it had on the victims’ loved ones.
The judge condemned Kamyshnyy’s actions as an act of vengeance, as revealed by the evidence and witness testimony presented during the trial. The motive behind the murders was linked to Kamyshnyy’s desire for revenge against his ex-wife, Witness A, following their recent divorce. The court proceedings shed light on the gruesome nature of the killings and the devastating effect on the community.
Despite maintaining that he did not recall the events of that fateful day, Kamyshnyy received the sentence with no visible reaction. Several restrictions were imposed on him, including no contact with his ex-wife or her family, surrendering a DNA sample, and a prohibition on possessing firearms or weapons. The possibility of an appeal was left unanswered by his defense lawyer, Shanna Wicks.
Numerous victim impact statements were submitted to the court, revealing the enduring trauma and heartbreak caused by the murders. Witness A’s family members and community members highlighted the lasting scars left by the tragedy. The boys’ mother expressed gratitude for the support received during this harrowing experience and emphasized her commitment to honoring her sons’ memory as she continues to grieve and rebuild her life.