The mother of two boys in Saint John, who were tragically killed by their father, expressed that no legal sentence can bring back her beloved sons, whom she described as the greatest joy of her life. Following the sentencing of Roman Kamyshnyy to life in prison without parole for 25 years for the first-degree murder of the boys, aged 10 and 17, his ex-wife released a statement acknowledging the irreplaceable loss she feels.
During the sentencing at the New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, Justice Darrell Stephenson explained that the sentence given was mandated by the Criminal Code, emphasizing the severity of Kamyshnyy’s actions. The judge highlighted the immense impact of the murders on the victims’ family, particularly the ex-wife, known as Witness A, due to a publication ban.
Describing Kamyshnyy’s motive as vengeance, Justice Stephenson noted that the prosecution presented evidence showing the deliberate and gruesome nature of the killings aimed at causing maximum harm to his ex-wife following their recent divorce. The court heard that Kamyshnyy fatally stabbed his sons in their home, leading to a violent struggle witnessed by neighbors and captured in a 911 call played during the trial.
The Crown prosecutor, Elaina Campbell, described the betrayal faced by one of the boys during the attack as an epic betrayal and emphasized the profound impact the murders had on the community of Saint John. Despite Kamyshnyy’s statements in court, where he claimed memory loss about the events, the judge imposed strict conditions along with the life sentence, including no contact with the ex-wife, submission of a DNA sample, and a prohibition on firearms possession.
Numerous victim impact statements were submitted to the court, revealing the lasting trauma and devastation caused by the murders. The boys’ mother, through her lawyer, expressed gratitude for the accountability brought upon the perpetrator but stressed the importance of remembering her sons for their lives and not just their deaths. Witness A’s family members shared their heartbreak and the enduring pain caused by the tragic loss.
As the community continues to grieve and seek closure, the focus remains on honoring the memory of the boys and navigating the difficult journey of rebuilding lives shattered by this unimaginable tragedy.