Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef, 26, from North Vancouver, British Columbia, was sentenced on June 25 to two consecutive life sentences in prison for the attempted murder of two people on the 300 block of Bollenbacher Drive in the Bolsa Knolls area of Salinas in 2024.
In addition, Vanderhoef received a five-year sentence for inflicting great bodily injury and using a weapon during the crimes, according to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
On Nov. 25, 2024, Vanderhoef met a woman via online video gaming and traveled from Canada to Monterey County, after developing a year-long obsession with her, according to the DA’s Office. He bought knives, handcuffs and duct tape and surveilled the victim’s home and workplace, ultimately impersonating an Amazon package delivery worker to gain entry.
Once inside, he stabbed the woman’s boyfriend, causing serious injuries. The woman then grabbed a sharp metal object and began defending her boyfriend but while fighting back, she was strangled and stabbed by Vanderhoef, suffering moderate injuries, according to prosecutors. During the struggle, Vanderhoef received multiple critical stab wounds. All three were transported to a local hospital.
Vandorhoef’s accomplice, Darius Avery Whyte, 26, had knowledge of Vandorhoef’s intentions, according to the DA’s office. He accepted a plea deal and was sentenced on April 3.
Vanderhoef admitted to planning the assault for more than a month with intentions “to actually kill someone.”
“We hope this case serves as a powerful reminder that online interactions can carry real-world consequences, and we encourage parents and community members to remain engaged, informed and proactive in protecting themselves and their children," Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said.