Duane Squires recalls a day from the previous year when his oldest son misplaced a Jibbitz shoe charm from his Crocs. Squires and his wife retraced their steps with their son in an attempt to locate the lost item, resulting in an emotional search that left them all in tears. The sentimental value of the charm was significant to their son as it was a connection to his late friend, a 10-year-old basketball teammate who had tragically been fatally stabbed, along with his 17-year-old brother, by their father, Roman Kamyshnyy.
Following the devastating incident, the basketball team paid tribute to the young victim by creating Jibbitz and stickers featuring his jersey number for their water bottles. Kamyshnyy was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of the boys, identified as A.B. and C.D. due to a publication ban. Justice Darrell Stephenson revealed during sentencing that Kamyshnyy committed the murders as an act of vengeance against his ex-wife following their recent divorce.
Despite Kamyshnyy’s claim of memory loss regarding the events, he was sentenced to two concurrent life terms without parole for 25 years. This sentencing decision, mandated by the Criminal Code, was accompanied by impactful victim impact statements from individuals affected by the tragic loss. The community, including law enforcement and school personnel, continues to grapple with the profound impact of the murders, which have left a lasting mark on all those involved.
The shocking and senseless nature of the murders deeply affected not only the victims’ families but also the broader Saint John community. The tragic event has led to a collective sense of loss and grief, underscoring the need to support one another and uphold values of safety, compassion, and justice for all residents.