Nick Pasqual, the actor known for his role on the television series How I Met Your Mother, has been sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for attempting to murder his estranged girlfriend, makeup artist Allie Shehorn, in a vicious stabbing attack in May 2024.
The Attack and Arrest
Prosecutors detailed that Pasqual, 36, broke into Shehorn's home in Sunland, California, at approximately 4:30 a.m. on May 23, 2024. He proceeded to stab her more than 20 times before fleeing the state. Authorities apprehended him a week later at a U.S.-Mexico border checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas.
Prior to the attack, Shehorn had filed a restraining order against Pasqual, accusing him of a pattern of abuse that included choking, rape, breaking down doors, and assaulting her with a belt. These reports of abuse had been documented by authorities.
Victim's Impact Statement
During the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, Shehorn, now 37, delivered a powerful victim impact statement, visibly bearing scars on her arm and neck. She recounted the terror of the attack: "When I was lying on the floor in a pool of my own blood, I remembered wondering if this was how my life was going to end," she said, according to ABC7. "I was terrified, I was in pain. You, who I had once trusted, decided my life was something that you could take away."
Shehorn was discovered by a family member and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. She underwent 14 hours of life-saving and reconstructive surgeries and spent nearly a week in intensive care after suffering deep cuts to her neck, arms, and abdomen.
Defendant's Remarks and Judge's Response
The judge gave Pasqual an opportunity to address the court. He expressed remorse, stating, "Allie did not deserve to almost have her life taken from her. No amount of words can form an adequate apology for what she had to endure." However, the judge questioned the sincerity of his remorse, referencing a recorded phone call Pasqual made to a friend just two months earlier. The judge said, "You stated that you feel remorse for what occurred, but my response to you is, if that’s true, then why on April 29th during that phone call with your friend, did you mock Allie Shehorn for what she went through? The evidence showed that Allie’s injuries were so catastrophic that she was clinically dead twice."
Prosecutor's Statement
Following the sentencing, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman released a statement: "Allie Shehorn miraculously survived and courageously stood before her abuser in court to testify about the brutality she endured. Her trial testimony was crucial in securing a guilty verdict so Mr. Pasqual could no longer be free to hurt anyone else... This case underscores the painful reality that domestic violence thrives when its victims live in fear and stay silent. It can erupt into life-threatening violence, and far too many victims never get the chance to see their abusers brought to justice."
Pasqual's Post-Sentencing Statement
In a statement shared by his representatives, Pasqual said: "I remain deeply saddened by everything surrounding this case, and I continue to wish healing and peace for everyone affected. I am grateful to those who have supported me during this process, and I intend to remain focused on sobriety, recovery, accountability, and a respectful appellate process moving forward."
