Actor Nick Pasqual could spend the rest of his life behind bars after a jury found him guilty for offenses connected to a brutal assault on his estranged former partner.
The 36-year-old performer, who has had roles in TV shows including How I Met Your Mother, was convicted on Friday of attempted murder, forcible rape, first-degree residential burglary, and additional charges tied to domestic violence.
In a jury trial held in San Fernando, California, prosecutors described what they say happened at the home of Pasqual’s ex-girlfriend, Allie Shehorn, in May 2024. The attack left the award-winning makeup artist suffering more than 20 stab wounds.
Shehorn testified during the proceedings, showing jurors scars that remain visible and recounting her account of the morning Pasqual allegedly forced his way into her home despite a restraining order.
According to her testimony, Shehorn said she had previously been hit with a belt and sexually assaulted the month before. She told the court she tried to escape as the break-in began around 4:30am.
“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 tearfully told the court.
Prosecutors said Pasqual fled after stabbing her roughly 20 times, leaving her critically injured. Shehorn survived after a friend discovered her and moved quickly to get help.
Speaking to KTLA, the friend said: “I found her and I had to go into the bedroom where it happened. That wasn’t a pretty sight. This is not the kind of thing that should happen to anybody. You don’t think this is ever going to happen to you.”
Shehorn was taken to hospital and underwent multiple surgeries for severe injuries that included wounds to her neck, arms, and abdomen. She was reported to be in a critical condition for more than a week.
Authorities said that while Shehorn remained in intensive care, Pasqual tried to leave the country. He was later stopped as he attempted to cross into Mexico near Sierra Blanca, Texas—seven days after the assault.
In comments to the Daily Mail in 2024, Shehorn said the attack strengthened her resolve to be present for the trial. She shared: “I just hope that there’s justice served. People should know that this shouldn’t happen, and he can’t get away with it.”
She also said at the time that she had been unable to return to work since the incident, describing lasting impacts that included damage to her eyesight.
After the verdict was delivered on Friday, District Attorney George Gascón denounced the violence and expressed support for the victim, saying: “My thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the victim in this horrific incident.
“Our office, including our Bureau of Victim Services, extends our support and resources to her as she embarks on the long and difficult journey of healing from both the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon her.
“This heinous incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence. We will ensure that the individual responsible for this egregious act is held accountable for their actions.”