A Canadian man has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for a premeditated knife attack on a woman he became obsessed with after meeting her through an online gaming platform, according to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office.
Sentencing Details
Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef, 26, of North Vancouver, British Columbia, was sentenced on June 25, 2026, after being convicted of the attempted murders of the woman and her boyfriend. He also received an additional five-year sentence for personally inflicting great bodily injury and using a weapon during the attack.
Origins of the Obsession
Prosecutors said Vanderhoef met the woman through an online gaming platform and developed what authorities described as a years-long obsession with her. After she reportedly cut off communication, he spent a month planning the attack before flying to California with an accomplice, Darius Avery Whyte.
The Attack
On November 25, 2024, Vanderhoef allegedly disguised himself as an Amazon delivery driver and arrived at the woman's home carrying a package. When her boyfriend answered the door, prosecutors said Vanderhoef forced his way inside and began stabbing him, causing critical injuries. The woman attempted to defend her partner but was also stabbed and strangled during the struggle. Both victims survived the attack.
Evidence of Planning
Investigators later discovered the package contained handcuffs, duct tape and additional knives, which prosecutors said pointed to extensive planning. Authorities said Vanderhoef confessed that he had intended to "actually kill someone" and had been preparing for the attack for weeks before travelling to California.
Accomplice's Role
Whyte initially denied involvement but later pleaded guilty to assault and accessory charges. He testified against Vanderhoef during the trial, admitting he knew about the planned attack before the pair crossed into the United States.
Trial and Sentencing
A jury found Vanderhoef guilty in February 2026, before he was sentenced last week. The court ordered him to serve two consecutive life terms, along with the additional five-year enhancement. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of online stalking and fixation, with prosecutors describing the attack as a calculated and deliberate attempt to kill two people.
