A man in Cobalt, northern Ontario, has confessed to attempting to murder his 16-year-old former girlfriend with a sword two years ago. Phillipe Rivard Gagnon, 20, made the admission at the Haileybury courthouse. The incident occurred on Nov. 3, 2024, when Kaylie Smith was struck by an SUV driven by Gagnon as she got off a transit bus in Cobalt. Following the collision, Gagnon proceeded to assault her with the sword. Reports indicate that one of Smith’s hands was severed, while the other sustained severe injuries.
Gagnon, who was 18 at the time of the attack, was apprehended and faced charges of attempted murder and possession of a dangerous weapon. He has been in custody since then, with his court appearances in Haileybury necessitating transportation from the North Bay jail over the past two years. During his recent court appearance, Gagnon pleaded guilty to the attempted murder charge, while the weapons offense remains pending for future court proceedings.
A sentencing date is yet to be finalized, but the case is scheduled to return to Haileybury court on Sept. 16. Kaylie Smith’s family has described her as resilient and strong in the face of this tragic event. If you are facing immediate danger or experiencing intimate partner violence, seek assistance from crisis lines and local support services.