The mother of two boys from Saint John, who were fatally stabbed by their father last year, expressed that no court sentence can replace her sons, who were the source of her greatest happiness. Following the sentencing of Roman Kamyshnyy to life in prison without parole for 25 years by the New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, his ex-wife released a statement emphasizing that the loss of her children and the enduring grief she carries cannot be diminished by any legal outcome.
Kamyshnyy, aged 46, was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his 10 and 17-year-old sons by a jury in June, leading to the automatic sentence dictated by the Criminal Code. Justice Darrell Stephenson, while acknowledging the mandated sentence, highlighted the limitations of his judicial authority and expressed the profound impact of Kamyshnyy’s actions on many lives, particularly his ex-wife and her family.
The judge described Kamyshnyy’s motive as a quest for vengeance, with most jurors present during the sentencing hearing to witness the conclusion of the trial. Evidence presented during the trial revealed Kamyshnyy’s calculated plan to harm his ex-wife in an extremely brutal manner after their recent divorce, culminating in the tragic event in January 2025.
The Crown prosecutor, Elaina Campbell, described the betrayal suffered by the 17-year-old victim as monumental, emphasizing the profound impact of the murders on the community and the individuals involved. Kamyshnyy’s lack of remorse and attempted suicide following the incident were also highlighted during the court proceedings.
Various victim impact statements were submitted to the court, reflecting the enduring trauma and devastation caused by the murders. Despite the sentencing marking a closure to a painful chapter, the focus remains on remembering the boys for who they were in life, rather than the tragic circumstances of their deaths.
The mother of the boys expressed gratitude for the support received during this harrowing experience, emphasizing the importance of honoring her sons’ memories and moving forward while keeping them close to her heart.