An actor who appeared on the popular television series How I Met Your Mother has been sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend. Nick Pasqual, 36, was convicted last month on multiple charges, including attempted murder, forcible rape, first-degree burglary, and injuring a spouse or partner. Prosecutors also noted special allegations that he inflicted great bodily injury upon makeup artist Allie Shehorn under circumstances involving domestic violence.
Details of the Attack
According to authorities, Pasqual broke into Shehorn's home around 4:30 a.m. on May 23, 2024, and stabbed her more than 20 times. Shehorn was found lying in a pool of her own blood and was rushed to the hospital, where she spent several days in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery. Prior to the stabbing, Shehorn had filed for a restraining order against Pasqual, accusing him of domestic violence, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Shehorn's Testimony
During the trial, Shehorn bravely testified against her ex-boyfriend, recounting the violent events that led to their breakup. She tearfully described how Pasqual became enraged during an argument, punching holes in doors and breaking into the bathroom where she had sought refuge. “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,” she said, according to KABC.
Arrest and Bail
Pasqual was initially captured at a border checkpoint in Texas and taken into custody following an earlier incident. However, he was released from jail on US$50,000 bail, only to commit the stabbing attack on Shehorn just five days later. This raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the bail system in protecting victims of domestic violence.
Sentencing and Reactions
On June 2, 2026, Pasqual was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman issued a statement, saying, “Today’s 32-year-to-life sentence holds Nick Pasqual accountable for the horrific crimes he committed against someone who once loved and trusted him. 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.”
Background of the Individuals
Allie Shehorn is a makeup artist who worked on films such as Obsession, Mean Girls, and Babylon. Nick Pasqual appeared in several television shows, including a single episode of How I Met Your Mother's seventh season. The case has drawn significant media attention due to Pasqual's celebrity status and the brutal nature of the crime.
The sentencing brings a measure of justice for Shehorn, who has shown remarkable resilience throughout the ordeal. Her testimony not only helped secure a conviction but also highlighted the dangers faced by victims of domestic violence. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking restraining orders and domestic violence allegations seriously.
