An extradition hearing for the individual accused in the tragic death of a restaurateur in southwestern Ontario in August 2023 is scheduled to commence in Scotland. A recent investigation by CBC News has brought to light fresh details in the case. New photographs of the three suspects involved in the killing of Sharif Rahman in Owen Sound have surfaced following access granted to Scottish court documents by CBC. Utilizing information from affidavits provided by Canadian authorities, social media profiles of the accused were uncovered.
Previously, the only available images of the suspects were low-quality police handout photos showing two individuals, one in a blue T-shirt and the other in orange, seen running on Owen Sound’s main street captured by a security camera. Additionally, a picture of a grey Ford Escape, identified as their escape vehicle, was also available.
In December 2024, law enforcement announced the arrest of three individuals in Edinburgh – a father, son, and uncle – connected to the case. The trio, identified as Robert Evans (25), Robert Busby Evans (47), and Barry Evans (54), are currently in custody in Scotland. Robert Evans faces a manslaughter charge, while his father and uncle are charged as accessories after the fact.
The CBC investigation used social media tracing techniques to verify the identities of the accused by cross-referencing details such as birthdays, family connections, and geolocating photos. These newly discovered images provide additional insights into the activities of the suspects during their time in Canada.
Despite the arrests, none of the accused have entered a plea, and the allegations against them are yet to be tested in court. CBC News attempted to reach out to legal representatives and family members of the accused for comment but received no response.
The tragic incident that led to Rahman’s death occurred outside his restaurant in Owen Sound, where he was gravely injured following an altercation with a group of men attempting to leave without paying their bill. Robert Evans Jr. allegedly delivered the fatal blow, causing Rahman to sustain severe head injuries. Barry Evans, the uncle, is accused of aiding Evans Jr.’s escape and driving him to Collingwood. Robert Evans Sr., who was not present during the altercation, is charged with assisting his son by arranging his flight back to the U.K.
The Evans family entered Canada using fake names in June 2023, operating a cash-only business named Total Paving. Identified as part of the U.K.’s “traveller” community, similar groups have been flagged for driveway repair scams worldwide, including in Europe, Australia, and the U.S.
According to Eamon Dillon, a journalist with expertise in the matter, these groups often engage in fraudulent practices, targeting homeowners with promises of low-cost driveway paving, only to escalate the prices later on with hidden issues, resulting in substantial cash gains.
The extradition process is expected to be complex, with Vancouver-based immigration lawyer Richard Kurland noting that the legal proceedings involving another country can be intricate and time-consuming. Despite the passage of time since the arrests, the community of Owen Sound continues to mourn Rahman’s loss, with his widow expressing confidence in the pursuit of justice.
The grieving widow, Shayela Nasrin, emphasized the family’s desire for the perpetrators to face legal consequences, stating, “It may take time, but we have faith.”
For any inquiries, Jonathon Gatehouse can be contacted via email at jonathon.gatehouse@cbc.ca or through the CBC’s secure communication channel.