In a recent court hearing at the Haileybury courthouse, Phillipe Rivard Gagnon, a 20-year-old man from Cobalt, Northern Ontario, admitted to attempting to murder his 16-year-old former girlfriend with a sword two years ago. The incident took place on November 3, 2024, when Kaylie Smith was disembarking from a bus in Cobalt after work and was struck by an SUV driven by Gagnon. Following the collision, Gagnon proceeded to assault her with the sword. The victim’s family disclosed that one of Kaylie’s hands was severed, while the other sustained severe injuries.
Gagnon, who was 18 at the time of the assault, was promptly taken into custody and charged with attempted murder and possession of a dangerous weapon. He has remained incarcerated since then, being transported from North Bay jail to attend court hearings in Haileybury throughout the last two years. During his recent court appearance, Gagnon pleaded guilty to the charge of attempted murder, while the weapons offense is anticipated to be addressed by the judicial system in the upcoming months.
Although a sentencing date has not yet been set, the case is scheduled to return to Haileybury court on September 16. The victim, Kaylie Smith, has been described as resilient and strong by her family members. For those experiencing immediate danger or concerns regarding family or intimate partner violence, seeking assistance from crisis lines and local support services is recommended.