How I Met Your Mother actor Nick Pasqual sentenced to 32 years to life for stabbing ex-girlfriend 20 times

Actor Nick Pasqual has learned his fate months after being found guilty of attempting to murder his estranged girlfriend, makeup artist Allie Shehorn, in May 2024.

Pasqual, 36, who has appeared on TV shows including How I Met Your Mother, was sentenced to 32 years to life by a Los Angeles judge on Tuesday.

During the sentencing, Shehorn, 37 — who reportedly took the witness stand with visible scars on her arm and neck — shared a powerful victim impact statement.

“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 added.

(ABC7/GoFundMe)

During the trial, prosecutors said Pasqual broke into Shehorn’s Sunland, California, home around 4:30 a.m. on May 23, 2024, and stabbed her more than 20 times before fleeing the state. He was arrested a week later at a U.S.-Mexico border checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas.

There were several reports of abuse prior to the attack, authorities said. Days before the attack, Shehorn had filed a restraining order against Pasqual, accusing him of abuse that allegedly included choking, rape, breaking down doors and assaulting her with a belt.

Shehorn was discovered by a family member and rushed to 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.

On Tuesday, the judge also gave Pasqual an opportunity to address the court.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day

New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.

Try for free

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day

New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.

Try for free

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

“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,” said Pasqual.

However, the judge questioned the sincerity of Pasqual’s remorse, referencing a recorded phone call the actor made to a friend just two months ago.

“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. “The evidence showed that Allie’s injuries were so catastrophic that she was clinically dead twice.”

Following Tuesday’s proceedings, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman released a statement that said, in part:

“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.”

In a statement shared by Pasqual’s representatives on his behalf, the actor 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.”