A man from the town of Cobalt in northern Ontario has admitted guilt in the attempted murder of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend using a sword two years ago. Phillipe Rivard Gagnon, aged 20, made the plea at the Haileybury courthouse this week.
The incident occurred on November 3, 2024, when Kaylie Smith was returning home from work and was struck by an SUV upon exiting a transit bus in Cobalt. The driver of the vehicle, Gagnon, proceeded to assault her with a sword, as confirmed by the Ontario Provincial Police.
In statements to the media, Smith’s family disclosed that one of her hands was severed, while the other sustained severe injuries. Gagnon, who was 18 at the time of the attack, was apprehended and charged with attempted murder and possession of a dangerous weapon. He has been in custody since then and has been transferred from a North Bay jail to attend court sessions in Haileybury during the past two years.
During his recent court appearance, Gagnon pleaded guilty to the charge of attempted murder, while the weapons offense is pending resolution by the judicial system in the upcoming months. A sentencing hearing is yet to be scheduled, with the case set to return to Haileybury court on September 16.
Kaylie Smith, the victim, has been characterized as “strong” and “resilient” by her relatives. For immediate assistance in cases of danger or intimate partner violence, individuals are urged to contact 911 or seek support from crisis lines and local services.
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