A 26-year-old Canadian man has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison after disguising himself as an Amazon delivery driver to carry out a violent home invasion in California that left two people seriously injured.
Prosecutors said Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef traveled from Canada to Monterey County after developing an online relationship with a woman he met through a gaming platform. Investigators said the woman later told him she was ending contact to focus on her relationship with her boyfriend, prompting Vanderhoef to carefully plan a deadly attack.
Authorities said Vanderhoef bought knives, handcuffs, and duct tape before surveilling the woman’s home. He then posed as an Amazon driver to gain access to the residence.
When the woman’s boyfriend answered the door, Vanderhoef allegedly forced his way inside, stabbing the man before turning his attention to the woman and choking her until she struggled to breathe.
Despite his injuries, the boyfriend fought back. With a pair of scissors handed to him by his girlfriend, he managed to disarm Vanderhoef and stab him, bringing the attack to an end.
Investigators also identified Darius Avery Whyte, who traveled with Vanderhoef, as an accomplice. Whyte was arrested while attempting to return to Canada and later pleaded guilty to assault-related charges.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said the case highlights the dangers that can arise from online relationships.
“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.”
