Three Suspects Appear in Court Over Sharif Rahman’s Death

Three suspects charged in connection with the death of Sharif Rahman, a beloved Owen Sound restaurateur, appeared in a local courtroom on December 1, 2023. The suspects, who were extradited from the United Kingdom just one day earlier, each made brief appearances, answering a few questions before being taken back into custody.

The individuals brought before the court were Robert Busby Evans, aged 47, and Barry Evans, aged 54, both facing charges of accessory after the fact. Also present was Robert Evans Jr., aged 24, who is charged with manslaughter in the incident that led to Rahman’s death. All ages reflect their status at the time of the charges, which have yet to be tested in court.

The events leading to Rahman’s death occurred on August 17, 2023, during an altercation at his restaurant, The Curry House. Following a dispute over a bill, Rahman was assaulted and succumbed to his injuries a week later at a hospital in London, Ontario. His death sent shockwaves through the community, as many described him as a gentle and community-oriented figure.

According to police reports, the suspects fled Canada following the incident, prompting the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Owen Sound Police Service to collaborate with international law enforcement to facilitate their arrests. Robert Evans Jr. and his father were arrested in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 30, 2024, while Barry Evans was apprehended in Dalkeith, Scotland, on October 29, 2024.

During the court proceedings, the judge imposed two significant orders requested by the Crown. The first was a publication ban on any evidence presented during the bail process; the second prohibited the three men from communicating with 11 specified individuals involved in the case. Each suspect spoke softly in response to the Justice of the Peace’s questions.

The courtroom was relatively small, containing court staff, a few media representatives, and members of the public, including an Owen Sound resident named Ruth. She had dined at The Curry House the night before Rahman’s death and wanted to witness the proceedings firsthand.

“I really liked him. It just hit me when he was killed, and it was very sad,” Ruth remarked, reflecting on her feelings about Rahman’s tragic passing. She described him as someone who always went the extra mile to help others.

Rahman’s background is notable; he grew up in Bangladesh, earning a degree in economics before obtaining a master’s degree in international development from the University of Glasgow. He purchased The Curry House in 2015, where he hosted fundraising dinners for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

As the case progresses, Ruth expressed her appreciation for the legal system’s efforts to bring the suspects to justice, noting the significant time that has elapsed since the incident. “I’m just really impressed that the justice system has brought these men here today,” she said, indicating her intent to follow the trial closely.

The allegations against the suspects detail a sequence of events during the assault. It is claimed that Robert Evans Jr. punched Rahman outside his restaurant after dining with his uncle and brother. Following the altercation, it is alleged that Barry Evans encouraged his nephew to flee the scene and assisted in his escape.

Robert Busby Evans is accused of facilitating his son’s departure from Canada by booking a flight and driving him to the airport, knowing that Robert Evans Jr. had been involved in the assault. These serious allegations underscore the gravity of the case as the community seeks answers and justice for Rahman’s untimely death.

The next court appearances for the suspects are scheduled for January 5 and January 12, 2024, with Robert Evans Jr. set to return on December 15, 2023. All suspects will appear via video in future hearings, continuing the legal proceedings surrounding this deeply impactful case.