Duane Squires recounted a poignant incident from the past year involving his son and a lost Jibbitz shoe charm. Squires, a detective constable at the Saint John Police Force, shared an emotional account of searching for the charm, a significant memento for his son after the tragic loss of a close friend. The friend, a 10-year-old basketball teammate, and his 17-year-old brother were fatally stabbed by their father, Roman Kamyshnyy.
Following the devastating incident, the basketball team paid tribute to the youngest victim by customizing Jibbitz and stickers for their water bottles with his jersey number. Kamyshnyy, found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, was sentenced to two life terms without parole for 25 years. The court revealed that Kamyshnyy’s motive was driven by a desire for vengeance against his ex-wife following their divorce.
The impact of these murders reverberated through various community members, including Squires and his wife Sara, who struggled to explain the tragedy to their son. The loss of innocence, fear, and insecurity that ensued reshaped their family dynamics. The ripple effect extended to Saint John High School, where the loss of the teenage victim deeply affected students, staff, and the community at large.
The lead investigator, Det. Const. David MacDonald, and other officers involved in the case were profoundly impacted by the heinous nature of the crimes. The emotional toll on first responders, justice officials, and residents underscored the shocking and senseless nature of the murders. The Saint John community grappled with a profound loss of security and safety, emphasizing the need to support families, protect children, and stand against violence in solidarity.