A man, aged 28, has been handed a life sentence without parole for 14 years after being convicted of murdering his aunt and attempting to kill his great aunt during an incident in April. Shayne MacDonald was found guilty of the second-degree murder of Sarah Vermelhudo and the attempted murder of Maria Vermelhudo, the victim’s mother.
Superior Court Justice Rita-Jean Maxwell described the killing as exceptionally brutal and extreme during the sentencing this week. The tragic event occurred on December 16, 2016, around 8 pm when MacDonald visited the Vermelhudo residence to watch a movie with his aunt.
Shortly after MacDonald’s arrival, screams were heard coming from the house. MacDonald had viciously stabbed his aunt multiple times with a pocketknife, inflicting severe injuries. He then proceeded to cut Sarah’s neck, causing fatal damage to her jugular vein.
When Maria, the victim’s mother, rushed to intervene upon hearing the commotion, MacDonald attacked her as well, stabbing her twice in the back during a struggle. Fortunately, with the help of her partner, Maria managed to escape and was taken to the hospital, where she survived the ordeal.
MacDonald fled the scene but was apprehended by authorities three days later following a tip from the public. Despite his defense claiming he was not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder, the prosecution argued that MacDonald’s actions were premeditated, driven by long-standing violent fantasies.
Superior Court Justice Maxwell emphasized the severe impact of the murder on the Vermelhudo family, particularly Maria, who witnessed her daughter’s tragic death. In her victim impact statement, Maria expressed the profound grief and trauma she continues to endure.
Maxwell highlighted MacDonald’s history of disturbing sexual fantasies and violent thoughts, underscoring concerns about his potential for future harm. While acknowledging his troubled past, including childhood sexual abuse and mental health struggles, the judge noted MacDonald’s expressions of remorse and potential for rehabilitation as mitigating factors.
The judge concluded that MacDonald’s actions stemmed from deep-seated violent fantasies and highlighted the need for careful consideration of his parole eligibility based on the risk he may pose in the future.