Canadian gamer sentenced to life in California
Canadian gamer Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef, 26, was convicted by a California jury on two counts of attempted murder and sentenced to two consecutive life terms, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office announced. Vanderhoef, from North Vancouver, British Columbia, traveled to Monterey County in November 2024 as part of a plot to kill a woman he met through online gaming after she rejected his romantic advances.
Plot with fellow gamer
According to prosecutors, Vanderhoef conspired with another gamer, Darius Avery White, also a Canadian, to pose as an Amazon delivery driver to gain entry to the victim's Salinas home. Vanderhoef forced his way inside, stabbed the woman and her boyfriend, and then attempted to choke the woman. The couple survived the attack after the boyfriend disarmed Vanderhoef and stabbed him, but Vanderhoef continued to choke the woman until she lost consciousness.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said in a statement: "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."
Obsession and planning
Prosecutors said Vanderhoef had been obsessed with the woman for more than a year. When she rejected his romantic overtures, he became enraged and began planning her death, telling detectives his plan was to "actually kill someone." He arrived in Salinas in November 2024 and purchased knives, handcuffs, and duct tape, and surveilled the victim's home and workplace.
Vanderhoef was convicted by a jury in February 2026. In addition to the two consecutive life sentences, he received five years for inflicting bodily injury and using a weapon during the commission of a crime. White, who testified against Vanderhoef, pleaded guilty to assault charges and was arrested on a flight returning to Canada.
Prosecutor's reaction
One Monterey County District Attorney's Office prosecutor remarked: "Guys coming from Vancouver to Salinas to pose as an Amazon delivery person and stab somebody. I mean, it's extraordinary."
The case underscores the real-world dangers of online interactions, as Sheriff Nieto emphasized the importance of vigilance for parents and community members.
