A man from Cobalt in 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 November 3, 2024, when Kaylie Smith was returning home from work and was struck by an SUV as she disembarked a transit bus in Cobalt. The driver of the vehicle, Gagnon, then proceeded to assault her with a sword, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.
Media reports indicate that during the attack, one of Kaylie’s hands was severed while the other sustained severe injuries. Gagnon, who was 18 at the time of the assault, was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of a dangerous weapon.
Having been in custody since the incident, Gagnon has been brought from the North Bay jail to attend court sessions in Haileybury throughout the past two years. During his recent court appearance, he pleaded guilty to the attempted murder charge, while the weapons offense remains pending and is anticipated to be addressed by the court in the coming months.
A sentencing date has not yet been set, but the case is scheduled to return to Haileybury court on September 16. Kaylie Smith, the victim of the attack, has been praised by her family as being resilient and strong throughout this ordeal.
For immediate assistance in situations of danger or domestic violence, individuals are urged to call 911 or seek support from crisis lines and local services.