Three individuals facing charges related to the passing of Sharif Rahman, a restaurant owner in Owen Sound, are set to make a joint court appearance on Friday. Robert Evans Jr., accused of manslaughter, appeared virtually on April 30, where it was disclosed that a pre-trial meeting had taken place on April 24 involving Evans Jr., his father Robert Busby Evans, and his uncle Barry Evans.
A resolution date has been fixed for June 5, with a resolution hearing typically involving discussions between the prosecution and defense regarding potentially settling the charges outside of a trial. Busby Evans and Barry Evans are each charged with being an accessory after the fact. None of the accusations against the trio have been proven in court.
The charges stem from the tragic passing of Rahman, the proprietor of The Curry House eatery in Owen Sound. Rahman succumbed to his injuries on August 24, 2023, a week after a confrontation outside his restaurant. He was 44 years old and survived by his wife and young daughter.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy described Rahman as a cherished community member whose absence is still deeply felt years later. The case garnered national attention after the suspects allegedly fled Canada following the incident. Following an international investigation, the three men were apprehended in Scotland, consented to extradition, and were returned to face the charges.
According to court records and extradition documents, Robert Evans Jr. is accused of assaulting Rahman during an altercation over an unpaid bill at the restaurant. His father and uncle are accused of aiding his departure from the country afterward. The allegations remain unproven.
As the case progresses towards a potential resolution, Boddy emphasized the community’s focus on justice and support for Rahman’s family. He highlighted the residents’ concerns about community safety, relief over the arrests, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. The welfare of Rahman’s family, especially his wife and child, is of paramount concern.
Boddy underscored that the incident should not overshadow the city, emphasizing that the accused were not from Owen Sound and that the violence was brought by outsiders. The upcoming court appearance is anticipated to involve all three suspects simultaneously, with the session described in court documents as a resolution date.
CBC News will provide live coverage from the courthouse during the hearing. Rahman’s wife continues to run The Curry House with strong backing from the public, aiming to sustain the business for years to come in Owen Sound.