Actor Nick Pasquale has been sentenced to thirty-two years to life in prison for the attempted murder of his estranged girlfriend. A jury found him guilty last month of the brutal attack that occurred in May of two thousand and twenty-four after she ended the relationship.
Prosecutors said Pasquale broke into the victim's home and brutally beat and stabbed her. The victim, a Hollywood makeup artist, testified during the trial that she lay on the floor in a pool of her own blood, terrified and in pain.
When the victim testified in court, she had visible scars on her arm and neck from the attack. Prior to the incident, she had taken out a restraining order against Pasquale and described the relationship as abusive.
The judge acknowledged that the victim likely suffered enormous emotional trauma from the entire experience. Many observers applauded her courage for testifying before the jury about the terrifying ordeal.
Pasquale is known for his appearances in several television shows and films, including How I Met Your Mother, Poor Paul and American Gangster. He was a supporting and background actor rather than a lead performer.
Four of the seven jurors voted for the conviction on the attempted murder charges. The sentence of thirty-two years to life reflects the severity of the attack and the premeditated nature of the break-in.
The case drew significant public attention due to Pasquale's acting career and the violent nature of the crime. The victim's attorney said the sentence was absolutely commensurate with the gravity of the case and provides a sense of justice for the family.