A Saint John man convicted of murdering his two sons will receive his sentence today. Roman Kamyshnyy appears in the Saint John Court of King’s Bench this morning. A jury found the 46 year old man guilty of two counts of first degree murder in June.

A Crime Driven by Vengeance

The Crown argued Kamyshnyy planned the murders to punish his former wife for alleged infidelity. The couple divorced just two months before the killings. On January 29 2025 the mother was away at a work conference in Ottawa.

Saint John police responded to a 911 call from the eldest victim early that morning. Officers arrived at a barricaded apartment in the Millidgeville neighborhood. They found the two boys dead. The attacker used kitchen knives to inflict multiple stab wounds.

Police also found Kamyshnyy inside the apartment. He attempted suicide by shooting himself in the head twice with a nail gun.

The Sentencing and Legal Rules

If you follow Canadian law you know first degree murder carries an automatic life sentence. Kamyshnyy will have no possibility of parole for 25 years.

The court will apply these sentences concurrently. In 2022 the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that stacking 25 year parole ineligibility periods violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This means Kamyshnyy serves the parole waiting periods simultaneously.

Victim Impact Statements

The court will hear victim impact statements before finalizing the sentence. The mother of the boys has the opportunity to address the court. Crown prosecutor Chris Ryan noted that first responders who attended the horrific scene also have the option to submit statements.

A publication ban protects the identities of the mother and the two boys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Roman Kamyshnyy convicted of?

A jury convicted him of two counts of first degree murder for the deaths of his two sons.

What is the penalty for first degree murder in Canada?

The penalty is an automatic life sentence with no possibility of parole for 25 years.

Why are the sentences served concurrently?

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 2022 that consecutive parole ineligibility periods are unconstitutional and constitute cruel and unusual punishment.