The mother of two boys in Saint John, who tragically lost their lives at the hands of their father, expressed that no legal sentence can ever replace the immense joy her sons brought to her life. 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 stated that the court proceedings could never diminish the profound loss of her children or the everlasting sorrow she carries.
Kamyshnyy, 46, was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his 10 and 17-year-old sons. The presiding Justice Darrell Stephenson explained that the sentence, mandated by the Criminal Code, requires the concurrent serving of each charge. He emphasized the severity of Kamyshnyy’s actions, labeling his motive as a desire for vengeance.
During the trial, evidence revealed Kamyshnyy’s calculated plan to harm his children as a means of inflicting pain on his ex-wife following their recent divorce. The judge noted the brutal nature of the murders, with Kamyshnyy stabbing his sons multiple times in their apartment. The Crown described the betrayal suffered by the older son during the violent struggle against his own father.
The community, deeply impacted by the tragedy, rallied together to support the victims and denounce such heinous acts of violence. Several victim impact statements were submitted, highlighting the profound effects on family members, friends, and the wider Saint John community. The boys’ mother, through her lawyer, emphasized that her sons should be remembered for their vibrant lives, not the tragic circumstances of their deaths.
As the legal proceedings come to a close, the mother expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support received during this harrowing ordeal and vowed to honor her sons’ memories as she continues to navigate life without them.