The mother of two boys in Saint John, tragically killed by their father last year, expressed that no sentence can replace the loss of her sons, who were her greatest joy. Following the sentencing of Roman Kamyshnyy to life in prison without parole for 25 years, she shared her profound grief, emphasizing that courtroom proceedings cannot diminish the pain she will carry forever.
The verdict, delivered by the New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, came after Kamyshnyy was found guilty by a jury of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his 10 and 17-year-old sons. The presiding Justice Darrell Stephenson explained that the sentence was mandatory under the Criminal Code, with both charges to be served concurrently.
Describing Kamyshnyy’s actions as incomprehensible and their impact as devastating, Justice Stephenson highlighted the immense suffering inflicted on the victims’ mother and her family. The motive behind the crime was identified as vengeance, as articulated by the judge during the sentencing, which was witnessed by many, including the jurors who convicted Kamyshnyy.
During the trial, evidence revealed Kamyshnyy’s calculated plan to harm his children as a means of hurting his ex-wife following their recent divorce. The brutal nature of the murders, carried out in the family’s apartment, was detailed, with the older son fighting for his life against his father in a violent struggle witnessed by neighbors and captured in a 911 call.
The Crown prosecutor, Elaina Campbell, described the betrayal as monumental, emphasizing the profound impact on the community and the irreparable damage caused by the killings. Several victim impact statements were submitted, illustrating the widespread devastation and lasting trauma experienced by those connected to the victims.
Kamyshnyy, maintaining no recollection of the events, attempted suicide after the incident. Despite his lack of remorse, he was handed down a sentence with stringent conditions, including a ban on contact with specific individuals and possession of firearms for life. The possibility of an appeal was left unaddressed by the defense lawyer.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus remains on remembering the lives of the two boys, characterized by their joy, love, and potential. The mother and other impacted parties strive to navigate the grieving process and rebuild their lives while honoring the memories of the beloved sons lost to senseless violence.
