Three men charged in connection with the death of Owen Sound restaurant owner Sharif Rahman are scheduled to appear together in court on Friday.
Robert Evans Jr., who faces a charge of manslaughter, appeared virtually on April 30. During that appearance, the court heard a judicial pre-trial had been held on April 24 involving Evans Jr. and his co-accused, his father, Robert Busby Evans, and uncle, Barry Evans.
A resolution date was scheduled for June 5. A resolution hearing in a criminal case is a court appearance where the Crown and defence discuss the possibility of resolving the charges without a trial, often through plea negotiations.
Busby Evans and Barry Evans are each charged with accessory after the fact. None of the allegations against the three men have been proven in court.
The charges stem from the death of Rahman, the owner of The Curry House restaurant in Owen Sound. Rahman died on Aug. 24, 2023, one week after he suffered critical injuries during an altercation outside his restaurant. He was 44 years old and left behind a wife and young daughter.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy said Rahman was a beloved member of the community whose loss continues to be felt nearly three years later.
“Wonderful, wonderful guy. He always had a smile on his face, was always gentle, always very kind,” said Boddy, adding Rahman was well known throughout the city.
The case drew national attention after police alleged the accused left Canada following the incident. An international investigation eventually led to the arrests of the three men in Scotland. The trio consented to extradition and were returned to Canada late last year to face the charges.
According to court proceedings and extradition documents, Robert Evans Jr. is accused of assaulting Rahman during a dispute that began over an unpaid restaurant bill. His father and uncle are accused of helping him leave the country afterward. The allegations have not been tested in court.
As the case moves toward what could be a resolution, Boddy said residents are focused both on justice and on Rahman’s family.
“They’re concerned about safety in the community — and they are glad that arrests were made — and that justice is being done,” he said.
Even more so on everyone’s mind is Sharif’s wife, child and family, he said.
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Rahman’s wife continues to operate The Curry House, where Boddy said she has received strong support from residents.
“His wife continues to run the business downtown and the public supports her quite a bit,” Boddy said. “Hopefully we’ll continue and keep her and the restaurant viable for years to come in Owen Sound.”
Boddy said the case should not define the city.
“The accused were not from Owen Sound,” he said. “It doesn’t make Owen Sound a violent place. It was a place where others brought violence to our community.”
Friday’s appearance is expected to bring all three accused before the court at the same time. Court documents have described the proceeding as a resolution date.
CBC News will have reporters at the courthouse and will be reporting live during the hearing.
