A man, aged 28, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for 14 years for murdering his aunt and attempting to kill his great aunt during an incident in April. Shayne MacDonald was convicted of second-degree murder in the case involving Sarah Vermelhudo and the attempted murder of Sarah’s mother, Maria Vermelhudo.
During the sentencing, Superior Court Justice Rita-Jean Maxwell described the killing as extremely brutal, emphasizing the severity of the attack. The tragic event occurred on December 16, 2016, around 8 pm, when MacDonald visited the Vermelhudo residence with plans to watch a movie with his aunt.
Shortly after MacDonald’s arrival, screams were heard from the third floor, where he had stabbed his aunt multiple times with a pocketknife he had brought along. The attack resulted in fatal injuries, including a severe neck wound that severed her jugular vein.
When Maria, Sarah’s mother, intervened upon hearing the commotion, MacDonald turned on her, stabbing her in the back during a struggle. Maria managed to escape with the help of her partner and was rushed to the hospital, where she survived the ordeal.
MacDonald fled the scene after the violent episode but was apprehended by the authorities three days later following a tip from the public. Despite defense claims of mental illness leading to the crime, the prosecution argued that MacDonald was acting out long-held violent fantasies.
The court highlighted MacDonald’s disturbing fantasies involving sexual violence and his history of violent thoughts. The judge noted his lack of criminal record but expressed concerns over his potential for future harm and the need for thorough evaluation before any consideration of parole.
Acknowledging MacDonald’s troubled past, including childhood sexual abuse and mental health struggles, the judge also recognized his expressions of remorse and potential for rehabilitation. The impact of the crime on the Vermelhudo family, particularly on Maria, who witnessed her daughter’s tragic death, was described as devastating in court proceedings.
