A Saint John man has been found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of two boys, aged 10 and 17, last year.
The jury in the double-murder trial of Roman Kamyshnyy delivered its verdicts Wednesday around 10:30 a.m., after only a couple of hours of deliberations over two days.
Kamyshnyy, 46, showed no emotion when the jury foreperson read their unanimous decision on each count aloud. He kept his eyes closed as he stood in the prisoner’s box with his arms behind his back and his defence lawyer by his side.
A number of the jurors wept.
Most of them seemed to avoid looking directly at Kamyshnyy as Court of King’s Bench Justice Darrell Stephenson asked all 11 to confirm they agreed on the verdicts. “Yes,” they replied in unison as about 20 police officers, court officials and members of the public looked on.
One member of the jury was dismissed overnight because he had to seek medical treatment, Stephenson announced.
Kamyshnyy was charged after Saint John police found the bodies of the boy and teen inside an apartment in Millidgeville in the city’s north end on Jan. 29, 2025, at 7:18 a.m., responding to a 911 call from the eldest victim.
Both victims suffered multiple stab wounds to their front and back, a number of which would have been “rapidly fatal,” a pathologist testified during the trial.
Police also found a blood-covered Kamyshnyy, who underwent emergency surgery to remove two nails that were deeply embedded in either side of his brain, the court heard.
A publication ban prohibits naming the victims, identified only as A.B. and C.D. But a judge ruled last fall that the media can report it’s a case of alleged domestic violence.
Audio trouble hinders jury in trial of Saint John man accused of killing 2 boys
The Crown argued Kamyshnyy stabbed the victims to death in an act of “desperate vengeance,” then attempted to take his own life with a nail gun to his head.
Kamyshnyy stood trial over two weeks, starting June 8. The court heard from 23 Crown witnesses, as well as Kamyshnyy’s own testimony.
Kamyshnyy told the court he couldn’t remember the day in question.
Lawyer Mel Norton issued a statement to CBC News Wednesday on behalf of the Crown’s key witness — Kamyshnyy’s ex-partner, identified only as Witness A because of a publication ban.
“Today’s verdict is an acknowledgment of the profound harm that was done.
“Today is not a day of closure. It is a day on which … our client continues to mourn,” Norton said.
“This has been, and remains, an intensely private grief,” he said, requesting Witness A be provided the privacy, dignity and space she needs to continue grieving.
She is grateful to the jury for its careful attention and service, and to the court, Crown, police, victim services, and all those who supported her throughout this difficult process, Norton said.
He declined further comment, noting the possibility of an appeal.
The Crown declined to comment on the case “while it remains before the courts,” Department of Justice and Public Safety spokesperson Jadesola Emmanuel said.
Defence lawyer Shanna Wicks also declined to comment following the proceedings.
Although jury deliberations came to a halt Tuesday around 7:30 p.m. because of audio problems with replaying the testimony of Witness A, the jury sent the judge a note Wednesday morning indicating it was no longer an issue — that after a good sleep and with a fresh day, they had reached a verdict.
The jury had asked Tuesday afternoon to review her testimony. After about two hours of listening to the tape, one of the jurors sent the judge a note saying they could hear only about half the audio.
“I’m left with more questions after the last session than before,” the note said.
Stephenson then asked if any other jurors had difficulty hearing the playback of Witness A’s testimony from June 9, Day 2 of the trial. At least five of them raised their hands.
Saint John jury to hear closing arguments, instructions today in trial of man accused of killing boy, teen
On Wednesday morning, Stephenson told the jury a team of court officials had worked to resolve the “technical difficulties” and they could still review all or part of the tape if they wanted to. “It’s your call.”
He asked them to take a break to discuss and consider, but within five minutes, they were back in the courtroom, reiterating they no longer needed to review Witness A’s testimony and were ready to proceed.
Kamyshnyy remains remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. to allow time for victim impact statements to be submitted.
That could include statements from first responders, said Crown prosecutor Chris Ryan. He requested a full day be scheduled.
First-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with no possibility of parole for 25 years.
Kamyshnyy’s defence lawyer did not request a pre-sentence report.
The judge thanked the jurors for their service.
“You have made a significant contribution to the administration of justice by performing [your] duties with such diligence, care and attention,” he said. “This is simply one of the most important civic functions you can perform.”
He cautioned the jurors that they cannot disclose any of the discussions that took place in the jury room, but made a point of reminding them of one exception — “particularly after … you’ve seen the things you have seen in the course of this trial.”
Discussions may be disclosed to qualified health-care professionals if necessary for medical treatment, therapy or counselling for a condition arising out of their jury service, he said.
He also reminded them support services are available through the Department of Justice and Public Safety before he dismissed them.
