In a chilling tale of domestic violence, actor Nick Pasqual, 34, was apprehended in Texas while attempting to flee into Mexico after allegedly stabbing his estranged girlfriend, Allie Shehorn, an award-winning Hollywood makeup artist, more than 20 times.
The horrifying incident occurred in the early hours of May 23, when Pasqual reportedly broke into Shehorn’s Sunland, California home around 4:30 a.m. and launched a brutal attack. Shehorn, known for her work on “Rebel Moon” and “Mean Girls,” suffered multiple slashes to her neck and severe cuts to her arms and abdomen.
Shehorn was discovered later that day by her surrogate mother, Christine White, in a scene described as gruesome and heartbreaking. “This is not the kind of thing that should happen to anybody,” White told KTLA. “You don’t think this is ever going to happen to you. I found her and I had to go into the bedroom where it happened. That wasn’t a pretty sight.”
Pasqual faces serious charges including one count of attempted murder, one count of first-degree residential burglary with a person present, and one count of injuring a spouse, cohabitant, fiancé, boyfriend, girlfriend, or child’s parent. He is also accused of inflicting great bodily injury under circumstances involving domestic violence. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in state prison.
In the days leading up to the attack, Shehorn had filed a restraining order against Pasqual, accusing him of multiple assaults. The restraining order detailed disturbing allegations, including attacks with a belt, breaking down doors, leaving her with a concussion, and instances of rape and choking.
After the vicious assault, Shehorn was rushed to the hospital and placed in the ICU in critical condition, undergoing multiple surgeries. An arrest warrant with a $1,075,000 bond was issued for Pasqual, who fled the scene.
Authorities managed to capture Pasqual at the US-Mexico border checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, California, preventing his escape. “My thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the victim in this horrific incident,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said. “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.”
Gascón emphasized the severity of domestic violence, stating, “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.”
Despite the trauma, Shehorn is showing remarkable resilience. According to a GoFundMe page set up by makeup artist Jed Dornoff, Shehorn is making “positive steps to her recovery.” A photo on the page shows her standing with the assistance of hospital staff and a walker. “It’s still a very long road but she is facing it with courage and determination,” Dornoff added. Shehorn has since been moved out of the ICU.
Shehorn’s illustrious career includes work on numerous popular films such as the “Rebel Moon” movies, the “Mean Girls” musical remake, and “Babylon.” She has also won several awards for her exceptional makeup and special effects work, particularly in horror movies.
The GoFundMe campaign to help cover Shehorn’s medical and rehabilitation expenses has garnered significant support, raising over $90,000 of its $100,000 goal by early Thursday.
As Shehorn continues her brave recovery, the legal system moves forward in ensuring justice is served, highlighting the critical need for awareness and action against domestic violence.
