By Andrew Bates, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A man accused of the double murder of two children in January has been sent for assessment after his first court appearance Thursday.
Roman Kamyshnyy, 45, has been in hospital unconscious since Jan. 29, court heard, the date police said they arrested a man after two boys were found dead inside of a home on Skaling Court off of McIntosh Street, near Woodward Avenue in Millidgeville.
In court Thursday, a Saint John police officer, Det. Const. Peter Osbourne, said by telephone he was with Kamyshnyy in hospital. He said that while the defendant was awake with his eyes open and looking up when he heard his name, he was not able to speak and could not confirm he understood his right to counsel.
Crown prosecutor Jeremy Erickson said Kamyshnyy should be assessed for fitness to stand trial, which Judge Lucie Mathurin granted. Kamyshnyy was set for a five-day assessment in hospital.
Kamyshnyy was read two charges of first degree murder, Osbourne said. The charges are dated to Jan. 29, according to court records.
“There was no verbal response, but he looked up at me when I was speaking with him,” Osbourne said, who said he also read out the police caution and right to counsel. “I requested … some sort of indication or movement that indicated that he did understand or wanted to speak to a lawyer, and no such thing happened.”
Erickson indicated the Crown would seek a publication ban on the identity of the victims, who are under 18. After a brief recess, Erickson indicated the Crown was rescinding its request for a publication ban.
Kamyshnyy has been in the custody of Saint John Police since an attempted first appearance on Jan. 29, court heard. Mathurin said he is now remanded by the court until his next appearance on Feb. 21.
Police said in January they responded to a 911 call at the residence and found two deceased male youth aged 10 and 17, and one injured 46-year-old male who was taken into custody.
With files from Barbara Simpson
