Full Breakdown
Nick Pasqual Sentenced to 32 Years-to-Life for Attempted Murder of Ex-Girlfriend Allie Shehorn
6/4/2026, 1:29:55 AM
Prior Abuse and Restraining Order
In the weeks before the May 2024 attack, Hollywood makeup artist Allie Shehorn obtained a restraining order against her estranged boyfriend, actor Nick Pasqual. The order, filed after Shehorn reported repeated physical and sexual abuse—including choking, belt assaults and prior rape accusations—was approved by a Los Angeles judge, though court records do not confirm whether Pasqual had been served before the assault.
Key Participants
- Nick Pasqual (36): Appeared in a 2014 episode of *How I Met Your Mother* and held minor roles in *Rebel Moon* and *Jobs*.
- Allie Shehorn: Makeup artist with credits on *Mean Girls*, *Babylon* and *Rebel Moon*.
- Nathan J. Hochman: Los Angeles County District Attorney.
- Presiding Judge (unnamed): Oversaw the sentencing hearing at the San Fernando Courthouse.
Chronology of the Case
- January 2024 – May 2024: Prosecutors allege a series of abusive incidents, culminating in a forcible rape charge from a month before the stabbing.
- May 23, 2024, ? 4:30 a.m.: Pasqual broke into Shehorn’s Sunland home, punched through the front door, and stabbed her more than 20 times.
- May 23–29, 2024: Shehorn received emergency surgery (? 14 hours) and spent several days in intensive care.
- Late May 2024: Pasqual fled California, was stopped at a U.S.–Mexico border checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas, and extradited to Los Angeles.
- May 8, 2026: A jury convicted Pasqual on six counts, including attempted murder, forcible rape, first-degree residential burglary with a person present, and aggravated injury to an intimate partner.
- June 2, 2026: The judge imposed a 32-year-to-life sentence; Pasqual addressed the court and was granted a brief opportunity to speak.
Convictions, Charges, and Sentence
Pasqual was found guilty of:
1. Attempted murder.
2. Forcible rape (including a prior incident).
3. First-degree residential burglary with a person present.
4. Injuring a spouse, cohabitant, fiancé, boyfriend, girlfriend, or a child’s parent.
5. Special allegations of great bodily injury under domestic-violence circumstances.
The sentencing range—32 years to life—reflects California’s statutory minimum for the attempted-murder conviction.
Broader Implications for Domestic Violence
District Attorney Hochman emphasized that Shehorn’s testimony “underscores the painful reality that domestic violence thrives when its victims live in fear and stay silent.” The case illustrates how restraining orders, when not enforced, may fail to prevent lethal escalation, prompting calls for stronger enforcement mechanisms and survivor-support resources.
Official Statements
- District Attorney Hochman: Praised Shehorn’s “courageous” testimony and said the sentence “holds Nick Pasqual accountable for the horrific crimes he committed.”
- Judge: Questioned Pasqual’s remorse, citing a recorded April 29 phone call in which Pasqual allegedly mocked Shehorn.
- Pasqual’s Representatives: Stated Pasqual is “deeply saddened,” wishes “healing and peace,” and will focus on “sobriety, recovery, accountability, and a respectful appellate process.”
Opposition Perspective
Pasqual’s own statement, delivered through his legal team, asserts remorse and frames the sentencing as a personal tragedy, while signaling an intent to appeal. The judge’s skepticism of that remorse provides a counterpoint, suggesting the court found Pasqual’s apology insufficient given the severity of the injuries.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I locked the door and he just started punching holes in that door and broke that open, and I just ran into the bathroom because I thought there's another lock on that door.” — Allie Shehorn, victim testimony
- “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,” — Allie Shehorn, victim-impact statement
- “Today’s 32 years to life sentence holds Nick Pasqual accountable for the horrific crimes he committed against someone who once loved and trusted him,” — Nathan J. Hochman, District Attorney
- “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.” — Nick Pasqual, statement through representatives
Upcoming Legal Steps
Pasqual’s defense has indicated it will file an appeal; the appellate timeline will determine whether the 32-year minimum remains in force. Shehorn continues medical recovery and has received community support through a GoFundMe campaign.
