The mother of two boys from Saint John, tragically killed by their father last year, expressed that no court ruling can replace her sons, who were her greatest joy. Following the sentencing of Roman Kamyshnyy to life in prison without parole for 25 years, she stated that the loss of her children and the resulting grief are indelible. Kamyshnyy, aged 46, was convicted by a jury in June on two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his 10 and 17-year-old sons.
Justice Darrell Stephenson explained that the sentence imposed was mandated by the Criminal Code, with the requirement that the sentences run concurrently. Describing Kamyshnyy’s actions as horrific and depraved, the judge noted that the impact on the victims, particularly Kamyshnyy’s ex-wife and her family, was profound. The motive behind the murders was identified as vengeance by the judge, with most jurors present during the sentencing.
During the trial, evidence revealed Kamyshnyy meticulously planned and executed the murders to inflict maximum pain on his ex-wife. The elder son fought fiercely for his life against his father, described by Crown prosecutor Elaina Campbell as a betrayal of monumental scale. The community was deeply affected by the heinous acts, causing widespread trauma and heartbreak among those connected to the victims.
Kamyshnyy, who professed memory loss regarding the events of the day, faced the consequences with no visible reaction. The court imposed several conditions, including restrictions on contact with specific individuals, a DNA sample submission, and a prohibition on possessing firearms. The possibility of an appeal was not commented on by the defense lawyer, with the parole board set to decide on Kamyshnyy’s potential parole after serving the minimum term.
Numerous victim impact statements were submitted, detailing the enduring pain and trauma caused by the murders. The mother of the boys emphasized the need to remember her sons for their lives, not just their tragic deaths. She expressed gratitude for the support received and vowed to honor her sons’ memories as she continues to grieve and rebuild her life.