Three Scottish men accused in the death of Owen Sound restaurant owner Sharif Rahman have formally entered the Canadian justice system, marking a significant moment in a case that has deeply affected the local community and drawn international attention. Their brief court appearance on Friday represented the culmination of a lengthy investigation that spanned two countries and more than two years.
First Court Appearance in Owen Sound
On Friday morning, an Owen Sound courtroom became the focal point of a case that has lingered painfully in the minds of residents since the summer of 2023. The three accused men—25-year-old Robert Evans Jr., his father Robert Busby Evans, and his uncle Barry Evans—appeared briefly before a judge after being extradited from Scotland to Canada.
The proceedings were procedural in nature. Each of the men spoke little, answering basic questions as they were formally charged and remanded back into custody. No pleas were entered, and the court did not hear details of the alleged events. Despite the short duration of the hearing, its significance was unmistakable for Rahman’s family and the Owen Sound community.
Court officials confirmed that all three accused arrived in Owen Sound on Thursday, one day before their appearance, following their consent to extradition earlier this year.
The Fatal Incident Outside The Curry House
The charges stem from a violent altercation that occurred on August 17, 2023, outside The Curry House, a well-known restaurant owned and operated by Sharif Rahman in downtown Owen Sound.
H3: Dispute Escalates Into Violence
According to investigators, the incident began as a dispute over an unpaid dinner bill. Police allege that during the confrontation, Robert Evans Jr. punched Rahman, causing him to collapse on the street outside his own restaurant. Rahman was reportedly left injured at the scene.
Emergency responders later transported Rahman to hospital, where he was treated for serious injuries. Despite medical care, his condition deteriorated, and he died one week later as a result of complications stemming from the assault.
Evans Jr. has been charged with manslaughter in connection with Rahman’s death.
Remembering Sharif Rahman
Sharif Rahman was 44 years old at the time of his death. A restaurateur known for his warmth and hospitality, Rahman was regarded by many as a pillar of the local community.
He is survived by his wife and young daughter, whose images and memories became symbols of the profound personal loss behind the criminal case. In the days and weeks following his death, tributes poured in from customers, friends, and fellow business owners who described Rahman as hardworking, generous, and deeply committed to his family.
The Curry House, which had served as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike, became a site of mourning as flowers and messages were left in Rahman’s memory.
Allegations of Flight From Canada
In addition to the manslaughter charge against Evans Jr., his father and uncle are facing serious allegations tied to events that unfolded shortly after the fatal altercation.
H3: Accessory After the Fact Charges
Authorities allege that Robert Busby Evans and Barry Evans assisted Evans Jr. in leaving Canada in the days following the incident. Court records indicate that the younger Evans departed the country on August 25, 2023—one day after Rahman was fatally injured.
Both older men have been charged with being accessories after the fact to commit an indictable offence. Prosecutors claim their actions were intended to help Evans Jr. evade Canadian authorities as the investigation intensified.
These charges significantly broadened the scope of the case, transforming it from a single assault investigation into a complex, multi-accused matter involving international cooperation.
A Year-Long Search Across Borders
Although the fatal incident occurred in August 2023, it would take nearly a year before Evans Jr. was formally charged.
H3: Arrests Made in Scotland
Canadian police eventually located Evans Jr. in Scotland, his country of origin, in July 2024. With the assistance of international law enforcement partners, authorities laid the manslaughter charge and initiated extradition proceedings.
The investigation later expanded to include his father and uncle, who were also located in Scotland and subsequently arrested. The cross-border nature of the case required extensive coordination between Canadian and Scottish officials, as well as compliance with international extradition laws.
Consent to Extradition and Return to Canada
In October 2025, all three accused consented to be extradited to Canada. Their decision eliminated the need for prolonged extradition hearings in Scotland, expediting their transfer to Ontario to face charges.
Legal experts note that consenting to extradition does not imply guilt but often reflects a strategic decision to resolve jurisdictional matters more quickly. The trio’s arrival in Owen Sound this week marked the first time they have faced Canadian courts in connection with Rahman’s death.
Community Impact and Ongoing Grief
The return of the accused has reopened painful memories for many in Owen Sound. For Rahman’s family, the court appearance represents both progress and renewed grief.
Community members who followed the case closely expressed hope that the legal process would now move forward without further delay. At the same time, local leaders emphasized the importance of respecting the judicial process and the presumption of innocence.
Vigils and memorials held in Rahman’s honor over the past two years underscore how deeply the incident affected the city. For many, the case has become a stark reminder of how quickly everyday disputes can escalate into irreversible tragedy.
What Comes Next in the Legal Process
Following Friday’s appearance, the three accused remain in custody as the case proceeds through the Ontario court system. Future hearings are expected to address bail, disclosure of evidence, and scheduling matters.
Prosecutors will be required to present evidence supporting the manslaughter charge against Evans Jr. and the accessory charges against his father and uncle. Defense counsel, meanwhile, will have the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s case and raise any legal or procedural issues.
Given the seriousness of the charges and the international dimensions of the investigation, legal observers anticipate that the case may take considerable time to reach trial.
A Case With National and International Attention
The Sharif Rahman case has resonated well beyond Owen Sound, drawing attention across Canada and in Scotland. It highlights the challenges of prosecuting crimes involving foreign nationals and underscores the importance of international cooperation in ensuring accountability.
As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching closely—not only for its outcome, but for what it represents to Rahman’s family and to a community still grappling with loss.
Conclusion: Justice Begins Its Course
Friday’s brief court appearance marked an important step in a long and complex journey toward justice in the death of Sharif Rahman. While the proceedings themselves were routine, their significance was profound, signaling that the case has entered a new phase on Canadian soil.
