'How Met Your Mother' actor Nick Pasqual found guilty of attempted murder
Nick Pasqual, actor from 'How I Met Your Mother', found guilty Friday of attempted murder in May 2024 attack on makeup artist girlfriend.
Objective Facts
Nick Pasqual, an actor who appeared in a season 7 episode of 'How I Met Your Mother' in 2011, was found guilty Friday of every criminal charge he faced relating to a May 2024 attack on his estranged girlfriend, makeup artist Allie Shehorn. The jury convicted him of attempted murder and found two special allegations to be true: great bodily injury under circumstances involving domestic violence and use of a deadly weapon, plus three counts of injuring a girlfriend and one count of forcible rape. Prosecutors say Pasqual broke into Shehorn's Sunland home at approximately 4:30 a.m. on May 23, 2024, and stabbed her more than 20 times, causing multiple slash wounds to her neck and cuts to her arms and abdomen, with her spending more than a week in hospital including intensive care. If he receives the maximum sentence, he faces life in state prison, with sentencing hearing scheduled for June 2 in Los Angeles. During trial, Shehorn testified: '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,' having reportedly taken out a restraining order against Pasqual alleging the relationship had turned abusive.
Left-Leaning Perspective
The Express Tribune and other outlets noted the verdict marks a major moment sparking broader conversation about domestic violence, survival, and accountability. Coverage from outlets including NBSLA highlighted the case's focus on domestic violence, restraining order violations, and violent escalation following relationship breakdowns. Art Threat reporting emphasized that Shehorn took the steps that domestic violence advocates and law enforcement consistently describe as the right steps to take by obtaining a restraining order. The broader discussion generated by the case, as reported in BioHighlight, focused on abuse allegations, restraining orders, violence involving intimate partners, warning signs in abusive relationships, and the importance of legal protections for victims. Coverage from victim advocacy perspectives emphasizes the case's systemic implications and the survivor's resilience.
Right-Leaning Perspective
Right-leaning outlets provided similar factual coverage with emphasis on law enforcement success and justice being served. The Washington Times and related outlets prominently featured District Attorney George Gascón's condemnation: 'My thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the victim in this horrific incident,' with Gascón pledging bureau support for her recovery and stating 'This heinous incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence'. Art Threat's coverage emphasized that Pasqual's attempted flight to Mexico demonstrated consciousness of guilt and significantly strengthened prosecutors' case, with law enforcement coordination described as seamless. Coverage noted that high-profile violent crime cases typically lead to professional consequences including loss of roles and contracts. Right-leaning outlets did not challenge the verdict or victim credibility.
Deep Dive
The Nick Pasqual guilty verdict represents a straightforward domestic violence case with clear evidence and jury consensus rather than a story with significant left-right ideological divides. Shehorn filed a restraining order after telling authorities the relationship had become abusive; the restraining order was active and legally prohibited him from her home, yet at 4:30 a.m. on May 23, 2024, Pasqual broke into Shehorn's Sunland home and attacked her, stabbing her more than 20 times. The attack left lasting physical damage—more than 20 stab wounds with scarring visible at trial nearly two years later, partial vision loss, and nerve damage to her hand so severe she was uncertain whether she could return to her career. What distinguishes coverage is not left versus right framing, but rather emphasis: victim-advocacy outlets highlight systemic issues around restraining order enforcement and survivor recovery, while law-enforcement-focused coverage emphasizes prosecutorial success and the strength of physical evidence. A key detail emerging from coverage involves bail: Pasqual was booked into LA jail but released on $50,000 bond, with Shehorn's friend stating 'As soon as he paid his bail, he came after her'—this fact receives varying emphasis depending on outlet focus. The case moves to sentencing June 2 with maximum penalty of life in prison.