Owen Sound Police and OPP have provided further information about arrests in relation to their investigation into the homicide of Sharif Rahman.
The investigation started when 44 year old Sharif Rahman, who owned the Curry House restaurant in downtown Owen Sound, was assaulted outside his restaurant at about 9:20 p.m. on August 17, 2023. Police say the suspects had attended his business and became involved in a dispute connected to the business.
He died from injuries in hospital in London a week later on August 24, 2023.
Owen Sound was shocked by what happened, and there was a huge response from the community, many of whom knew Sharif through his involvement in local events and organizations. $250,000 was raised in a GoFundMe which was given to his family, who closed their restaurant for a few months after the assault that claimed Sharif’s life.
Early in their investigation, police released some screen captures of video footage of two suspects fleeing the scene along with a vehicle of interest. They appealed to the community for tips and other video footage.
During their investigation, police discovered the suspects linked to the assault had left the country, and they collaborated with international partners to coordinate their arrests overseas.
They say, due to the nature of the investigation and the international element, the information was sealed in an effort to support the apprehension of the accused. On August 15, 2024, the OPP and Owen Sound Police released limited information that arrests had been made. As the information was sealed and one suspect was outstanding, they say further information could not be released.
Two individuals, both citizens of the United Kingdom, have been arrested and charged with Criminal Code offences:
- Robert Evans, 24 years old, has been charged with manslaughter
- Robert Busby Evans, 47 years old, has been charged with accessory after the fact to commit indictable offence
On October 29, 2024, Barry Evans, 54 years old of the UK, was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to commit indictable offence
The individuals are currently in the UK and are before the courts in relation to extradition. Police say there are no timelines available for the extradition of the accused individuals. OPP Detective Inspector Jane Conway noted, “We are now coordinating with our international partners and the Ministry of the Attorney General to determine the next steps for their extradition.”
Conway would not reveal if the accused men are related or in what way. The inspector says they were visiting Canada, but declined to give a reason for their visit citing concern over protecting evidence and the extradition process. Conway also didn’t reveal where in the UK the accused are located, or when they left for the UK other than to say that it was shortly after the assault.
Conway noted the over 100 tips received from the community were ‘invaluable’ in their investigation, noting investigators were very thankful for them. Conway wouldn’t comment on whether or not the suspects in the grainy photos released by police at the time of the assault are the same individuals.
- Sharif Rahman Posthumously Awarded YMCA Peace Medal
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Owen Sound Police and the OPP say they would like to, “Extend their gratitude to the Owen Sound community and neighbouring jurisdictions for their support and valuable tips. We acknowledge the significant impact this case has had on the community and sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue our thorough and comprehensive investigation.”
Owen Sound Police Chief Craig Ambrose noted during the press event, “I’m extremely proud of the work that was done by not only members of the Owen Sound Police Service, but by the assistance that we were provided through the Ontario Provincial Police and the other partners through both law enforcement and the judiciary throughout Canada and in Europe obviously, and you know what– that’s what brought this to a successful outcome.”
Owen Sound Police Inspector Dave Bishop noted, “This is somewhat unconventional because we are dealing with a multitude of court processes, not just the localized criminal process here but also the processes that are ongoing in the United Kingdom, so it does cause some restriction in terms of the things we can and can’t say.”
Mayor Ian Boddy says his reaction to the news is probably similar to the rest of the community, explaining, “I share their feelings that we are all glad to hear that charges have been laid and to get an explanation of what that delay has been. We’ve known there’s a reason for the delay, now it’s easy to understand.”
He adds, “Given the complexity of the case with somebody from overseas, I can’t thank and praise enough our local police force and the OPP and the other police officers throughout the region that helped with this investigation right from the time of the event and have pursued this. It’s clearly been a lot of work that’s gone into this, and it’s pretty amazing.”
Sharif’s wife, Shayela Nasrin sent a letter, which was read aloud at the news conference by Owen Sound Police Detective Constable Chevonne Martin, in which Shayela said, “First, I would like to thank you, each and every one who worked really hard together and made progress in this case. Although it is a complicated case, I have faith in the rule of law. I have been waiting patiently since August 17th 2023, and I believe justice will be served for my husband. In addition, I am thankful to the community for the support we have received. Thank you to the media for being respectful towards my decision. I was not comfortable and I am not comfortable talking about the terrible incident over and over again. I wish to have the same support from the media.”
Owen Sound Police are continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with the assistance of the OPP West Region Crime Units, OPP Forensic Identification Services and the OPP Regional Support Team, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance was also provided by police services in West Grey and Hanover, the RCMP, INTERPOL Ottawa Fugitive Apprehension Support Team (FAST) and UK law enforcement members from the National Extradition Unit of the National Crime Agency and Police Scotland.