Actor Nick Pasqual has been found guilty of attempted murder after a violent knife attack on his estranged girlfriend, a Hollywood makeup artist, in a case that shocked the entertainment industry and drew widespread attention across the United States.
A Los Angeles court convicted the 36-year-old actor, known for minor appearances in How I Met Your Mother and other television productions, over the brutal assault that took place in the early hours of May 23, 2024. Prosecutors told the court that Pasqual forced his way into the victim’s home in Sunland, Los Angeles, at around 4:30 a.m. before stabbing her multiple times. The attack left the victim with life-threatening injuries and she was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
During the trial, jurors heard disturbing details about the severity of the injuries. Medical evidence revealed that the victim required several surgeries and intensive care treatment as doctors fought to stabilize her condition. Authorities said the assault came only days after the victim had filed a restraining order against Pasqual, raising further concerns about the escalation of violence before the attack.
Following the stabbing, Pasqual allegedly attempted to flee the United States. Law enforcement officials tracked him down nearly a week later. He was arrested by border patrol agents at a checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas, on May 29, 2024, before he could leave the country.
In addition to the attempted murder conviction, the jury also found Pasqual guilty of first-degree residential burglary and injuring a spouse. Prosecutors argued that the evidence clearly demonstrated a deliberate and violent attack carried out despite prior legal action taken by the victim for her protection.
Pasqual now faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 2, when the court will decide how long he will remain behind bars.
The verdict marks a major development in a case that has highlighted the serious dangers of domestic violence and the devastating consequences that can follow when protective warnings escalate into life-threatening attacks.
