A man in Cobalt, northern Ontario, has admitted to attempting to murder his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend with a sword two years ago. Phillipe Rivard Gagnon, 20, made the guilty plea at the Haileybury courthouse this week. The incident occurred on Nov. 3, 2024, when Kaylie Smith was struck by an SUV driven by Gagnon as she disembarked from a transit bus in Cobalt. Following the collision, Gagnon proceeded to assault her with the sword.
Reports from the Ontario Provincial Police disclosed that Kaylie suffered severe injuries, including the severing of one hand and significant damage to the other. 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 North Bay jail to Haileybury for court appearances over the past two years.
During his recent court appearance, Gagnon pleaded guilty to the charge of attempted murder, while the weapons offense remains pending and is expected to be addressed by the court in the upcoming months. A sentencing date has not yet been set, but the case is scheduled to return to Haileybury court on Sept. 16. Kaylie Smith, the victim, has been described as resilient and strong by her relatives.
In cases of immediate danger or concerns about personal safety due to intimate partner violence, individuals are urged to dial 911. Those affected by such issues can seek assistance from crisis lines and local support services.