Sharif Rahman Homicide Case Inches Ahead as Evidence Reaches Defence Counsel
The Sharif Rahman homicide case in Owen Sound slowly moves forward after disclosure reached defence lawyers; all three accused remain in custody.
The homicide case arising from the 2023 death of Owen Sound restaurateur Sharif Rahman returned to court this week, with two of the three accused appearing separately in the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound.
The matters largely centred on disclosure — the exchange of evidence between the Crown and defence — and resulted in further adjournments.
Robert Evans Jr.: Hard Drive Received, Review Underway
Robert Evans Jr., 25, the U.K. citizen charged with manslaughter, appeared by video late Thursday morning after his matter was briefly delayed earlier in the day.
Defence counsel Cassandra Geeta, appearing on behalf of Adam Weisberg, confirmed their office had received a hard drive containing disclosure materials that morning. The defence requested three weeks to review the material before moving the matter forward.
The court heard that a Crown pre-trial (CPT) — a private meeting between the prosecutor (the Crown) and defence counsel — has not yet taken place but will be scheduled for early March.
Evans Jr. was remanded in custody until March 12 at 11:30 a.m., when he is scheduled to appear again by video.
Earlier court dates had stalled due to missing multimedia disclosure, which defence counsel had said was necessary to make decisions regarding potential bail requests.
Robert Busby Evans: “I Don’t Really Know What’s Happening”
Robert Busby Evans, charged with accessory after the fact, also appeared by video Thursday morning in bail court.
Evans told the court he was unsure who was representing him, and reiterated that he also goes by the name “Justin Jones.”
“I don’t know. I’m on a video call, I’m on a call but I don’t know how it works,” he said. “There should be someone representing on my behalf on the video call like there was last time.”
He added, “I’ll just leave it down to you guys, I don’t really know what’s happening. I don’t know how you make court dates, I don’t know how you set it up.”
Busby Evans/Jones was represented by Simona Petti in previous appearances.
The court was told that a Crown pre-trial discussion was scheduled for later in the day. There was no update provided in court regarding whether disclosure materials had been received.
The judge remanded Evans in custody until Wednesday, February 18 at 9 a.m., expressing hope that counsel could reach out to schedule a call to discuss his case and inform him of his next court date.
Barry Evans: Paper Disclosure Received
Barry Evans, the third man charged and also facing accessory after the fact allegations, last appeared by video on Monday, February 2.
Police allege Barry Evans assisted his nephew, Robert Evans Jr., in evading arrest and leaving Canada following the fatal altercation outside Rahman’s restaurant, The Curry House.
Defence counsel Abu Ali told the court, “We have only received paper disclosure on this matter. We requested it multiple times.”
Barry Evans was remanded into custody until February 17 at 9 a.m., at which time he should receive an update regarding the disclosure issues.
Background
Sharif Rahman, 44, died on August 24, 2023, one week after sustaining critical head injuries during an altercation outside his family-run restaurant in downtown Owen Sound on August 17.
What Happened to Sharif Rahman?
It’s been over two months since the assault at The Curry House that claimed the life of 44-year-old restaurateur Sharif Rahman.
Court and extradition records allege three members of the Evans family — Robert Evans Jr., his brother Justin, and their uncle Barry — dined at the restaurant that evening. Police allege a dispute over payment escalated into a physical confrontation outside, during which Evans Jr. delivered a punch that caused Rahman to fall and strike his head on the sidewalk.
Rahman never regained consciousness and died in hospital in London, Ontario, one week later.
Robert Evans Jr. is charged with manslaughter. Robert Busby Evans and Barry Evans are each charged with accessory after the fact.
All three men were arrested in Scotland in 2024 following an international investigation and were extradited to Canada in December 2025 after consenting to return.
The matters remain before the court. All three accused remain in custody. A publication ban continues to apply to any evidence presented during bail proceedings.
Related:
