WARNING: This article contains disturbing details regarding intimate partner violence.
A 20-year-old man from Cobalt, a town in northern Ontario, has admitted guilt to the attempted murder of his former girlfriend, a 16-year-old, using a sword two years prior.
Phillipe Rivard Gagnon submitted his plea earlier this week at the courthouse in Haileybury.
On the night of November 3, 2024, Kaylie Smith was returning home from her job and was disembarking from a transit bus in Cobalt when she was struck by an SUV.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police, the vehicle was operated by Gagnon, who subsequently assaulted her with a sword.
Family members of Smith have reported in media interviews that one of Kaylie’s hands was severed, while the other was severely “mangled.”
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At the time of the incident, Gagnon was 18 years old. He was apprehended and charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes.
Since his arrest, he has been in custody and has been moved from the North Bay jail for court appearances in Haileybury over the last two years.
During his latest court appearance on Tuesday, Gagnon pleaded guilty to the attempted murder charge.
The charge related to weapons remains active and is expected to be addressed by the court in the upcoming months.
A hearing for sentencing has not yet been set, but the case is scheduled to return to Haileybury court on September 16.
Kaylie Smith, the attack’s victim, has been described by family members as ‘strong’ and ‘resilient’. (Submitted by the Smith family)
If you are in immediate danger or concerned for your safety or that of others, please dial 911. For those affected by family or intimate partner violence, assistance is available through crisis hotlines and local support services.