Nick Pasqual, an actor best known for his guest appearance on the hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother, was found guilty of attempted murder on Friday for a brutal attack on his estranged girlfriend two years ago. The 36-year-old actor, who appeared in the episode titled Field Trip, now faces up to life in prison at a sentencing date yet to be determined.
Guilty Verdict and Charges
In addition to attempted murder, Pasqual was convicted of first-degree residential burglary with a person present and injuring a spouse, cohabitant, fiancé, boyfriend, girlfriend, or child's parent. The charges stem from a horrific incident in May 2024, when Pasqual broke into the home of Allie Shehorn, a makeup artist who has worked on major films such as Babylon, and stabbed her 20 times. He fled the scene and attempted to escape to Mexico but was apprehended in Texas and extradited to California.
Restraining Order and Prior Assaults
At the time of the attack, a restraining order was already in place against Pasqual following an alleged assault in January 2024, in which he reportedly hit Shehorn with a belt, and an alleged sexual assault in April of that year. Despite these legal protections, Pasqual carried out the violent stabbing.
Victim's Testimony and Ongoing Trauma
In court, Shehorn recounted the terrifying ordeal, describing how Pasqual punched holes in her locked door to gain entry. She fled to the bathroom, but the attack left her with severe injuries. She was discovered by her roommate, Christine White, who acted quickly to get help. White later told KTLA, '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.'
Shehorn was hospitalized in critical condition and spent over a week in the hospital, nearly dying from her injuries. She continues to bear physical scars, including on her neck, and suffers from permanent damage, including loss of feeling in her hands and partial vision loss. In a 2024 interview with the Daily Mail, she stated, '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 has vowed to attend every court hearing.
Prosecutor's Statement
District Attorney George Gascón condemned the attack, 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.'
Pasqual's Acting Career
Beyond How I Met Your Mother, Pasqual appeared in numerous other television projects, including American Gangster: Trap Queens, High Mystery, and Archive 81. His conviction marks a dramatic fall from grace for the former actor.
