The mother of two boys from Saint John, who were tragically killed by their father, expressed that no legal sentence can ever compensate for the profound loss of her beloved sons. Following Roman Kamyshnyy’s sentencing to life in prison without parole for 25 years, she conveyed in a statement that the pain of losing her children and the enduring sorrow she carries cannot be diminished by any courtroom outcome.
Kamyshnyy, aged 46, was handed the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment after being convicted by a jury for 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 law dictates concurrent sentences for such charges, emphasizing the limitations of his judicial authority during the sentencing proceedings.
The judge described Kamyshnyy’s motive as driven by vengeance, highlighting the profound impact of his actions on his ex-wife, referred to as Witness A, and her family. The trial revealed that Kamyshnyy meticulously planned and executed the murders to inflict maximum pain on his ex-wife following their recent divorce.
Despite Kamyshnyy’s lack of remorse, the court imposed various conditions along with the sentence, including a prohibition on contacting his ex-wife and her family, DNA sampling, firearm possession restrictions, and a victim fine surcharge. While there was no immediate comment on the possibility of an appeal from the defense, the parole board will decide on Kamyshnyy’s potential parole eligibility after serving the mandatory term.
Numerous victim impact statements were submitted to the court, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of the tragic incident on the community. The mother of the boys, through her lawyer, expressed gratitude for the accountability of the perpetrator and emphasized the importance of remembering her sons for their lives and not just their untimely deaths.
Witness A’s family members also shared the profound impact of the murders, highlighting the lasting trauma and heartbreak caused by Kamyshnyy’s actions. The community’s response was described as a testament to the significance of these young lives and the obligation to safeguard children’s well-being. The enduring grief and efforts to rebuild their lives continue for those affected by this devastating tragedy.