The brutal murder of two young boys by their father in 2020 has left an indelible mark on the community of Saint John, New Brunswick, and has sparked a national conversation about the devastating impact of domestic violence. The mother of the victims, identified only as Witness A, has issued a powerful statement that encapsulates the grief and loss felt by families affected by such heinous acts.
In her statement, Witness A emphasizes that no sentence can bring back her sons, who were aged 10 and 17 at the time of their deaths. She highlights the profound and immeasurable impact of the murders on the entire community, particularly the children of Saint John, whose lives mattered and were cared for by the community. The fact that the father, Roman Kamyshnyy, was supposed to protect his children at all costs, makes the betrayal all the more devastating.
The motive behind the murders, as described by the judge, was 'vengeance.' Kamyshnyy, who had recently divorced Witness A, sought to hurt her in the most gruesome manner imaginable, as a result of the ending of their marriage and relationship. The evidence presented at trial showed that Kamyshnyy made and carried out his plan to murder his children, with the teen, identified as C.D., fighting for his life in his home against his father. The 911 call, played at trial, captured the violent struggle heard by neighbors, further emphasizing the brutality of the crime.
The impact of the murders has been profound, with several victim impact statements submitted to the court. Witness A's mother described Kamyshnyy as a 'monster' with a 'deeply disturbed mind,' while Witness A's brother said his 'heart is shattered forever.' Police officers, the manager of the 10-year-old's basketball team, a counselor from the high school the teen attended, and a domestic violence expert also submitted powerful statements about the impact on themselves, their co-workers, families, and the community at large.
Despite the tragedy, Witness A has shown remarkable resilience. She is grateful to the first responders, criminal justice officials, and citizens who offered support, kindness, and compassion during her darkest moments. Her focus now is on carrying forward the memory of her sons, honoring their lives, and finding a way to move ahead with them always in her heart. The community's response to the tragedy has been a testament to the power of compassion and the importance of caring for the well-being of children.
In my opinion, this case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the need for society to take a zero-tolerance approach to such acts. It also underscores the importance of supporting families affected by domestic violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The community's response to the tragedy has been a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that can emerge in the face of such adversity.
