The mother of two young boys in Saint John, tragically killed by their father last year, expressed in a statement that no court sentence can ever replace her sons, who were her greatest source of joy. Following the sentencing of Roman Kamyshnyy to life in prison without parole for 25 years, the mother emphasized the irreplaceable loss and ongoing grief she will carry forever.
Roman Kamyshnyy, aged 46, was found guilty by a jury in June of two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his 10 and 17-year-old sons. Justice Darrell Stephenson explained that the sentencing followed the mandatory guidelines of the Criminal Code, with both murder charges to be served concurrently.
The judge condemned Kamyshnyy’s actions as an act of vengeance, highlighting the devastating impact on the victims’ family, especially Witness A, identified as the ex-wife of Kamyshnyy, and her relatives. Evidence from the trial revealed Kamyshnyy’s calculated plan to harm his children in a gruesome manner to inflict pain on his ex-wife.
In court, Crown prosecutor Elaina Campbell described the murders as a betrayal of epic proportions, emphasizing the lasting trauma inflicted on the community and the irreplaceable loss felt by the families and friends of the victims. Kamyshnyy, showing no reaction to the sentence, was issued additional conditions, including restrictions on contact with specific individuals, a DNA sample submission, and a victim fine surcharge.
Victim impact statements submitted to the court painted a poignant picture of the enduring pain and trauma caused by the heinous act. Witness A’s mother described the profound impact on her family, emphasizing the lasting scars and shattered trust, while her brother expressed the permanent split in his life into “before” and “after” the tragedy.
The boys’ mother, through her lawyer Mel Norton, expressed gratitude for the accountability brought by the sentencing and emphasized the need to remember her sons for their vibrant lives rather than the tragic end. The community response highlighted the importance of cherishing the lives lost and supporting those affected by the tragedy.