Duane Squires recalls a moment in the past year when his oldest child misplaced a Jibbitz shoe charm from his Crocs. Squires, a detective constable at the Saint John Police Force, shared in a statement the emotional turmoil his family experienced searching for the charm that held sentimental value to his son after the tragic loss of his friend. The friend, a 10-year-old basketball teammate, was fatally stabbed, along with his 17-year-old brother, by their father, Roman Kamyshnyy.
Following the devastating incident, the basketball team commemorated the victims by creating Jibbitz and stickers with the youngest victim’s jersey number. Kamyshnyy was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of the boys, identified as A.B. and C.D. due to a publication ban.
During sentencing, Justice Darrell Stephenson highlighted Kamyshnyy’s act as a vengeful response to his ex-wife’s separation, leading to the tragic loss of his children. Despite Kamyshnyy’s claim of memory loss regarding the events, he received two concurrent life sentences without parole for 25 years as mandated by the Criminal Code.
The impact of the murders rippled through various individuals, including Squires and his wife Sara, who struggled to explain the tragic circumstances to their son. The loss of innocence, fear, and insecurity that followed reshaped their family dynamics. Similarly, the Saint John High School community faced profound emotional repercussions, with students and staff grappling with the shock and grief caused by the violent deaths of C.D., a beloved student.
The lead investigator, Det. Const. David MacDonald, expressed the deep emotional toll the case took on him, seeking counseling to cope with the distress caused by the heinous crimes. Crown prosecutor Elaina Campbell noted the heartbreak felt by officers who responded to the scene, emphasizing the impact of the murders on the community’s sense of security and collective well-being.
Lawyer Mel Norton highlighted the community-wide repercussions, emphasizing the shock and violation felt throughout Saint John due to the murders. The incident not only affected immediate responders but also undermined the city’s sense of safety and unity. Norton urged the community to honor the victims’ memory by strengthening commitments to protect children, support families in distress, and ensure that no one faces fear or suffering alone.