It’s game over for this guy.
A Canadian gamer who allegedly became obsessed with a woman he met online crossed the border, disguised himself as an Amazon delivery driver and launched a brutal home invasion in California — will now spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef, 26, of North Vancouver, British Columbia, was sentenced Thursday to two consecutive life terms after a jury convicted him in February of attempted murder in connection with the shocking November 2024 attack in Salinas.
Prosecutors said Vanderhoef spent about a year fixating on the woman before meticulously plotting the cross-border assault.
Authorities said he traveled from Canada to California, dressed as an Amazon delivery driver to gain access to the home, and carried out the violent attack.
Before flying to California, he allegedly spent more than a month preparing, purchasing knives, handcuffs and duct tape, and surveilling both the woman’s home and workplace.
He also did not come alone.
Vanderhoef traveled with Darius Avery White, who was later arrested while sitting on a flight back to Canada.
White pleaded guilty to assault charges, testified against Vanderhoef, and was sentenced in April.
On the night of the attack, Vanderhoef allegedly posed as an Amazon delivery driver and approached the home.
When the woman’s boyfriend answered the door, the situation turned violent almost immediately.
Vanderhoef forced his way inside and stabbed the boyfriend, prosecutors said.
The violence spilled outside as both victims attempted to escape, and the boyfriend managed to disarm Vanderhoef and stab him during the struggle.
But the attack did not stop there.
Vanderhoef then tackled the female victim and choked her until she could not breathe.
Miraculously, both victims survived the assault.
Investigators said Vanderhoef later admitted his intent was to “actually kill someone.”
In addition to the two consecutive life sentences for attempted murder, he received five additional consecutive years for inflicting bodily injury and using a weapon during the crime.
“We hope this case serves as a powerful reminder that online interactions can carry real-world consequences,” Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said. “We encourage parents and community members to remain engaged, informed, and proactive in protecting themselves and their children.”
