The man accused of killing two boys in Saint John says he believes he was the only person with them in their apartment the morning police discovered their bodies. However, Roman Kamyshnyy told the court he remembers nothing about that day.

Kamyshnyy faces two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of a 10 year old and a 17 year old on Jan. 29, 2025. He testified Thursday at the Saint John Court of King’s Bench and denied planning the killings.

The Accused Takes the Stand

Defence lawyer Shanna Wicks warned the jury they would find Kamyshnyy’s lack of memory frustrating. During his testimony, Kamyshnyy spoke about his background in Ukraine and his move to Canada in 2022. He frequently brought up infidelity accusations against his ex partner. Wicks repeatedly redirected him to the events of January 2025.

Kamyshnyy admitted he started drinking more in the fall of 2024 to cope with his divorce. When asked about the day before the killings, he stated he did not remember the whole day.

The Crown Lays Out the Timeline

You will find the details of this case disturbing, but they form the core of the Crown’s argument. Crown prosecutor Orlando Lineros cross examined Kamyshnyy and presented a detailed theory of the morning of Jan. 29. Lineros stated Kamyshnyy stabbed the youngest victim in his sleep. The prosecutor noted Kamyshnyy inflicted eight wounds, including a stab to the heart. Kamyshnyy previously searched the word “heart” on his web browser, which he claimed related to his own health issues.

Lineros argued the 17 year old heard the attack and called Kamyshnyy at 6:59 a.m. The prosecutor said Kamyshnyy then broke into the teen’s bedroom. The knife broke during the struggle.

The teen escaped into the hallway, leaving a pool of blood. Lineros stated Kamyshnyy dragged the teen back inside and stabbed him nine times in the kitchen. Kamyshnyy responded to these allegations by saying he did not remember.

Evidence Points to Planning

The Crown presented several pieces of evidence suggesting Kamyshnyy planned the events. Four days before the killings, Kamyshnyy bought a nail gun. He claimed he needed it for his work as a truck driver. Police allege he used it to attempt suicide after the killings.

On Jan. 26, Kamyshnyy recorded a video warning his parents that if they heard anything bad, it was likely true. He claimed he had no memory of making the video.

Police also found a note dated Jan. 27 where Kamyshnyy wrote he was fully responsible for the situation. He testified he wrote the note to process his feelings, not as part of a plan. Furthermore, Kamyshnyy scheduled emails to his ex partner and his employer. They received these emails after police took him into custody. Lineros argued Kamyshnyy scheduled them because he planned to kill himself. Kamyshnyy denied this accusation.

What Happens Next

The defence called no other evidence. Justice Darrell Stephenson excused the jurors until Tuesday morning. The Crown and defence will present their closing arguments, and the judge will give his final instructions. The jury will then be sequestered to deliberate.

You can read the full details of the trial proceedings on CBC News.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Roman Kamyshnyy?

Roman Kamyshnyy is a 46 year old man on trial for two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of a 10 year old and a 17 year old in Saint John.

What is Kamyshnyy’s defence?

Kamyshnyy pleaded not guilty. He testified that he has no memory of the day the boys were killed or the day prior, and he denies planning the murders.

What evidence did the Crown present?

The Crown presented a broken knife, a note written by the accused taking responsibility, a warning video sent to his parents, and emails scheduled to send after the time of the killings.

When will the trial conclude?

Closing arguments from both the Crown and the defence are scheduled for Tuesday morning, after which the jury will begin deliberations.