Nick Pasqual, once a minor Hollywood actor with a single-episode credit on How I Met Your Mother, is now serving a sentence of 32 years to life in prison after being convicted of attempted murder.
The case centres on a brutal 2024 attack on makeup artist Allie Shehorn, his ex-girlfriend. It left her critically injured and sparked widespread attention across the entertainment industry.
Pasqual is now in state custody in California, where he will remain for decades unless granted parole in the future.
Inside the 2024 Brutal Knife Attack
In May 2024, Pasqual allegedly broke into Shehorn's home in Sunland, Los Angeles, at about 4:30 AM.
According to court testimony, he stabbed her more than 20 times, turning what began as a home intrusion into a prolonged and violent assault. Prosecutors described it as a deliberate and targeted attack.
Shehorn survived but sustained life-threatening injuries and required emergency surgery. According to ABC7, prosecutors stated: 'The evidence showed that Allie's injuries were so catastrophic that she was clinically dead twice.'
During the trial, Shehorn also spoke about the lasting emotional impact of what happened. 'To this day, I still have nightmares about the attack,' she told the court.
After the stabbing, Pasqual fled the scene. Authorities later tracked him down and arrested him at a US-Mexico border checkpoint in Texas, where he was allegedly trying to leave the country.
The case quickly escalated into a high-profile criminal investigation, with charges including attempted murder and other serious felonies.
Court Hands Down Long Prison Term
Just this month, a Los Angeles court sentenced Pasqual to 32 years to life in prison after he was found guilty of attempted murder and related felony charges.
The judge considered the severity of the attack, the number of injuries inflicted, and the circumstances surrounding the home invasion when issuing the sentence. Prosecutors argued that the crime represented extreme violence and warranted a lengthy custodial penalty.
The final ruling ensures Pasqual will serve a minimum of 32 years before being eligible for parole consideration. This means he is expected to remain incarcerated well into the future.
'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 ... 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,' District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement, according to Deadline.
Look at what actor #NickPasqual did to his former girlfriend.
— Jennifer Coffindaffer (@CoffindafferFBI) June 8, 2024
Another #DomesticAbuse
Victim stabbed time and time again.
But #AllieShehorn survived to name her abuser.
I wish #JohnOkeefe would have survived. His homicide was also a #domesticviolence situation, IMV. pic.twitter.com/KZwUXAPaSB
Nick Pasqual & Allie Shehorn's Relationship
Before the attack, Pasqual and Shehorn had reportedly been in a romantic relationship that had already turned volatile. Court documents and testimony suggested the relationship had ended or was in the process of breaking down at the time of the incident.
Shehorn had previously sought legal protection, including a restraining order, after alleging abusive behaviour. Prosecutors later used this history to support claims of domestic violence context in the case.
The pair's connection also came through the entertainment world. While Pasqual held small acting roles, Shehorn worked behind the scenes.
Shehorn is a Hollywood makeup artist and special effects professional who has worked on major film productions. Her credits include work on high-profile projects such as Babylon and Rebel Moon, placing her firmly within the industry's behind-the-scenes creative community.
Despite everything, Shehorn has continued working in the industry after her recovery.
