The mother of two boys in Saint John, who were tragically killed by their father last year, expressed that no legal sentence can ever replace the profound loss of 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 murders of the 10-year-old and 17-year-old boys, his ex-wife conveyed her enduring grief in a statement released after the court proceedings.
The sentencing, mandated by the Criminal Code, was delivered by Justice Darrell Stephenson, who highlighted the gravity of the crime and the impact on the victims’ family. The judge emphasized the heinous nature of Kamyshnyy’s actions, driven by a motive of vengeance against his ex-wife, Witness A, and her loved ones. During the trial, evidence revealed that Kamyshnyy meticulously planned and executed the murders to inflict maximum pain on his former spouse following their recent divorce.
The court heard how the older son bravely fought for his life against his own father, a betrayal described by Crown prosecutor Elaina Campbell as of epic proportions. This senseless act of violence has left a lasting scar on the community, with many struggling to comprehend the evil behind the tragedy. Kamyshnyy, who showed no emotion during sentencing, was also prohibited from any contact with his ex-wife, her family, and others, in addition to other conditions imposed by the court.
While the legal proceedings have concluded, the impact of this devastating loss continues to resonate deeply within the community. Witness A’s family and various individuals affected by the tragedy submitted emotional victim impact statements, reflecting on the profound void left by the boys’ untimely deaths. Despite the unimaginable pain, the mother of the boys expressed gratitude for the support received and vowed to honor her sons’ memories as she navigates the challenging path of grief and healing.