Murder trial begins for man accused of killing two boys in Saint John, N.B., in 2025

Roman Kamyshnyy was charged with two counts of first-degree murder after a double homicide on Jan. 29, 2025.

The jury has been selected for the trial of a man charged with two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly killing two boys in the north end of Saint John, N.B., in January 2025.

Justice Darrell Stephenson of the Court of King’s Bench is presiding over the jury trial of 46-year-old Roman Kamyshnyy.

The identities of the victims are protected under a publication ban; they are being referred to as victim A.B. and victim C.D.

The publication ban also prevents sharing the relationship between the victims and the accused. Previous court rulings have allowed the media to describe the alleged incident as one that involves domestic violence.

Members of the Saint John Police Force responded to an apartment at Skaling Court around 7 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2025. Police immediately forced their way into the home, where they found the bodies of a 17-year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy.

They also found Kamyshnyy, who was taken to the Saint John Regional Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Elaina Campbell, Chris Ryan, and Orlando Lineros are the Crown prosecutors in the trial. Shanna Wicks is representing Kamyshnyy through legal aid.

Kamyshnyy was physically present in the courtroom Monday for the jury selection process.

Fourteen jurors were selected for the expected three-week trial, with two alternate jurors also named. More than 100 potential jurors were at the courthouse Monday for the selection process.

Ahead of the jury selection, Stephenson told the potential jurors to approach the case with an open mind and only make decisions based on the evidence presented in the courtroom.

The jury is expected to hear opening remarks from Stephenson and opening arguments from the Crown beginning at 2:30 p.m.

The trial is expected to be completed by June 26.

More to come…

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