Nick Pasqual, an American actor known for minor roles in television and film, including an appearance on How I Met Your Mother, was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison by a California court. The 36-year-old was found guilty of attempted murder, rape, burglary, and other charges following a May 2024 attack on his former partner, make-up artist Allie Shehorn.

Attack and Arrest

On May 23, 2024, Pasqual allegedly broke into Shehorn’s Sunland home at around 4:30 a.m. and stabbed her more than 20 times in multiple areas of the body, including the neck, chest, back, and arms. After fleeing the scene, he was arrested at a border checkpoint in Texas. Shehorn survived the attack following emergency surgery and extensive medical care, though she has described suffering lasting physical injuries and emotional trauma.

During the trial, Shehorn testified that the relationship had turned abusive. She had obtained a restraining order against Pasqual before the attack. She described a violent confrontation before the breakup, saying Pasqual punched holes in her front door and forced his way into her home. Shehorn later took refuge in the bathroom, believing there was a second lock to keep her safe.

Verdict and Sentencing

A jury found Pasqual guilty of attempted murder, burglary, rape, and other offenses on May 8. The judge, however, was not swayed by Pasqual’s public expressions of remorse. In court, Pasqual said, “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 pointed to a recorded phone call Pasqual had made two months earlier in which he appeared to mock Shehorn for her experience. “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 judge said.

Aftermath and Appeal

Pasqual has announced his intention to appeal the sentence. Through his representatives, he issued a statement to Entertainment Weekly, saying, “I am still deeply troubled by everything connected to this case and wish all those affected healing and peace.” He also pledged to focus on “sobriety, recovery, accountability, and a respectful appeals process.”

Shehorn also made a civil lawsuit against Pasqual, seeking damages for the physical and emotional harm she suffered. She has spoken publicly about her lingering trauma, saying she still has nightmares about 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.

The case has drawn significant media attention due to Pasqual’s background in acting and the severity of the violence. It also highlights ongoing concerns about domestic abuse and the legal consequences of such crimes.