'Justice for Kaylie': Dozens of supporters show up to northern Ont. man's court hearing
**WARNING - This article contains graphic details of intimate partner violence and may be upsetting to some readers
Dozens of 'Justice for Kaylie' supporters showed up Tuesday morning for a court hearing for the northern Ontario man accused in a vicious attack on his ex-girlfriend.
Protestors outside Haileybury courthouse calling for bail to be denied for Phillipe Gagnon, 18, who is charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault against his ex-girlfriend. Nov. 12, 2024 (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)
Phillipe Gagnon, 18, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, weapons possession and breaching a conditional sentence.
He is accused of hitting Kaylie Smith, 16, with his vehicle before getting out and attacking her with a sword on a quiet street in Cobalt, Ont., the evening of Nov. 3 – provoking outrage in the community.
Gagnon was arrested in the nearby community of Haileybury in Temiskaming Shores shortly after the assault and remains in custody.
The Haileybury court docket listed a bail appearance for the accused Tuesday morning via Zoom, however, bail was not discussed or requested.
Justice Michelle Rocheleau heard the matter around 10 a.m. with a packed courtroom, around 200 participants on Zoom and nearly two dozen protestors outside the courthouse.
Gagnon appeared by video from the North Bay jail dressed in an orange jumpsuit with shaggy, brown hair.
The matter has been adjourned two weeks at the request of defence counsel R. Davies in order to receive disclosure evidence.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
Kessie Pellerin was one of the people demonstrating outside the courthouse as the hearing was going on inside.
She told CTV News reporter Eric Taschner she is a friend of Smith's.
"We’re f****ing terrified," Pellerin said.
"This is usually a quiet town and nothing like this usually happens. That never happens in Temiskaming Shores."
None of the charges laid on Nov. 3 have been proven in court.
CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca is covering the case and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Help is available
Confidential and free support is available for people experiencing violence. In an emergency, call 911.
-
Assaulted Women's Helpline 1-866-863-0511
- Fem'aide Helpline 1-877-336-2433
- Talk4Healing for Indigenous women 1-855-554-4325
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Alberta RCMP officer charged with 2 counts of sexual assault
Const. Bridget Morla, a Leduc RCMP officer, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault in connection with an incident that happened two years ago.
Ontario dad removes hockey rink at heart of neighbour dispute
A Markham dad who drew the ire of neighbours and the city after installing a hockey rink in his backyard says the rink has now been taken down.
Motivated by obsession: Canadians accused in botched California murder plot in police custody
Two Canadians are in police custody in Monterey County, California, after a triple stabbing police say was motivated by a B.C. man's obsession with a woman he played video games with online.
Kingston, Ont. doctor in 'disbelief' after being ordered to repay $600K for pandemic vaccination payments
An Ontario health tribunal has ordered a Kingston, Ont. doctor to repay over $600,000 to the Ontario government for improperly billing thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations at the height of the pandemic.
More RCMP and CBSA ‘human resources’ destined for border, Public Safety Minister LeBlanc says
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says the federal government will 'absolutely' be adding more Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and RCMP ‘human resources’ at the border.
Belly fat linked to signs of Alzheimer’s 20 years before symptoms begin, study says
As the size of a person’s belly grows, the memory centre of their brain shrinks and beta amyloid and tau may appear — all of this occurring as early as a person’s 40s and 50s, well before any cognitive decline is apparent, according to new research.
Toronto Zoo shifts toward conservation, but critics want to eradicate animal captivity
The Toronto Zoo has been making a gradual, yet seismic shift towards prioritizing conservation and climate-change, focusing on breeding rare and endangered animals in the past few years. But critics say the zoo should focus all its resources on breeding animals for eventual release instead of keeping animals in captivity for display.
Trump demands immediate release of Oct. 7 hostages, says otherwise there will be 'HELL TO PAY'
President-elect Donald Trump is demanding the immediate release of the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office there will be “HELL TO PAY."
AC/DC announces North American stadium tour, Vancouver lone Canadian stop
Big news for AC/DC fans as the heavy metal bigwigs announced Monday they will hit the road next spring. But as of now, there’s only one Canadian show on the docket.
Barrie
-
Highway closures persist southbound from Huntsville to Orillia: OPP
Southbound lane closures remain in effect from Highway 60 in Huntsville to Highway 11 in Orillia on Monday evening.
-
Gravenhurst left digging out after town's most significant early snowfall ever
The Town of Gravenhurst is in recovery mode after 140 centimetres of snow fell over the weekend, marking the town’s most significant early snowfalls on record.
-
New bridge over Highway 400 in Barrie opens to traffic
The Sunnidale Road bridge replacement is complete, with the road opening to traffic Monday.
Toronto
-
Toronto library apologizes after staff at east-end branch refuse to help lost girl
The Toronto Public Library is apologizing after staff at a branch in the city’s east end refused to provide a lost child with access to a telephone.
-
Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster tenders resignation after 7 years
Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster is stepping down. Verster tendered his resignation on Monday in order to take a new position and will leave his role as CEO of the provincial transit agency as early as Dec. 16.
-
Born and bred Toronto fire: Jim Jessop named Chief after following in father's footsteps
Thirty-five years after a devastating fire roared through a Parliament Street rooming house two days before Christmas, Deputy Fire Chief Jim Jessop pulls up a grainy photo of the blaze on his phone.
Ottawa
-
Kingston, Ont. doctor in 'disbelief' after being ordered to repay $600K for pandemic vaccination payments
An Ontario health tribunal has ordered a Kingston, Ont. doctor to repay over $600,000 to the Ontario government for improperly billing thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations at the height of the pandemic.
-
Multiple elements contributed to fatal Chinook helicopter crash in Ottawa River, investigation concludes
The investigation into a Chinook helicopter crash near Petawawa, Ont. that killed two military pilots concludes an 'unperceived acceleration' and environmental conditions were "significant contributors" to the crash in the Ottawa River.
-
City of Ottawa's auditor general finds kickback scheme involving city employee and local landlords
The City of Ottawa's auditor general has found that a city employee was engaged in a kickback scheme with a group of four local landlords, collecting thousands of dollars in payments in exchange for more favourable rental rates under specific housing benefit programs administered by the city.
Kitchener
-
Criticism over OPP’s lack of communication during nine-hour closure of Hwy 401
Many people are wondering why Ontario Provincial Police failed to properly notify drivers of an investigation that shut down a stretch of Highway 401 for almost nine hours on Friday night.
-
Experts surprised by rising number of walking pneumonia cases
Experts say a rise in respiratory illness is expected as the temperature drops, but this year, they’re seeing a surprising number of walking pneumonia cases in younger people.
-
A Better Tent City community mourns the loss of a resident killed in shooting
People living at a tiny home project in Kitchener are mourning the loss of one of their own.
London
-
'It's painful to see that': Neighbours express concern for children impacted by Sarnia homicide investigation
Just before 5 a.m. on Sunday, police were called to a rooming house 194 Queen St. where two residents were involved in a physical fight while in the kitchen.
-
Startling admission by defence at bush bash shooting trial
As the lengthy bush bash shooting trial resumed this week, the day started with a stunning admission from defence lawyer Ricardo Golec, who represents the accused in this case, 23-year-old Carlos Guerra Guerra.
-
'Snow streamer' moves across the region with snow squall warning still in effect
A snowsquall warning is in effect for southern Ontario with more snow on the way.
Windsor
-
Overnight warming centre opens early as cold weather sparks fear winter could be deadly
With winter approaching quickly, worry is settling in that the cold weather could soon turn deadly, prompting a Chatham homeless centre to extend their overnight hours early while waiting for proper approvals and financial commitments.
-
'We don’t give up on people': Windsor mobile soup kitchen moving indoors
A mobile soup kitchen in downtown Windsor is moving indoors.
-
51-year-old woman faces impaired driving charge after veering into traffic: WPS
Windsor police charged a 51-year-old woman with impaired driving after she allegedly veered into oncoming traffic, causing a crash in east Windsor.
Montreal
-
New poll suggests Legault even less popular than Justin Trudeau
A prominent polling analyst says Quebec's governing party would be reduced to fewer than 10 seats in the provincial legislature if an election were held today, based on current poll numbers.
-
Montreal's Metro will have extended service hours on New Year’s Eve
To help Montrealers celebrate the holidays safely, the Metro will run later than usual on New Year’s Eve.
-
Winnipeg
-
Investigation launched into Manitoban’s death after medical emergency at dental appointment
The Manitoba Dental Association (MDA) said it is investigating a critical incident where a young woman from the Morden-Winkler area died following a dental appointment.
-
Material at Manitoba landfill now being searched for remains of Indigenous women
The next stage in the search for the remains of two slain Indigenous women in a Manitoba landfill has officially begun.
-
How much money Manitoba small businesses are losing because of the Canada Post strike
New numbers from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) show small businesses throughout the country are losing $76 million a day because of the strike, and the total losses will hit $1 billion by Wednesday.
Atlantic
-
Nova Scotia lawyer suspended following ugly courtroom fracas
A Nova Scotia lawyer who had to be restrained by deputy sheriffs during a court appearance earlier this year has lost his appeal of a suspension following the bizarre incident.
-
Woman dies after side-by-side crash in Belnan, N.S.
A 22-year-old woman has died following a collision between a side-by-side and a vehicle in Belnan, N.S., over the weekend.
-
Man dead, another injured after suspicious New Brunswick house fire
One man is dead and a second is badly injured after a suspicious house fire in Coal Creek, N.B.
N.L.
-
N.L. man not guilty of sex charges, judge cites inadequate police investigation
A Newfoundland and Labrador judge has acquitted a man of six crimes, including sexual assault and sexual interference, citing inadequacies in the investigation by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.
-
Newfoundland's LGBTQ2S+ bar paid drag queens $37.50. Tara Nova called them out.
If the screaming crowd in the twinkling Majestic Theatre in downtown St. John's was any indication, Newfoundland drag queen Tara Nova will never have to accept $37.50 for a show again.
-
'Who profits on hunger?': Inuit send pleading emails to minister about food costs
People in Nunavut and northern Labrador have been writing to Canadian government officials this year to say grocers were charging exorbitant prices despite receiving a federal subsidy.
Calgary
-
Apartment in downtown Calgary highrise significantly damaged in fire
Calgary fire crews are investigating a blaze that significantly damaged an apartment in a downtown highrise on Monday morning.
-
Silverado residents concerned with proposed cellphone tower
Some long-time residents in Calgary's deep southwest neighborhood of Silverado are pushing back against a proposed cellphone tower.
-
Calgary's 5 most expensive homes for sale right now
Calgary's most expensive homes as of December 2024.
Edmonton
-
Man charged in connection with 2 Edmonton arsons, identified as person of interest in 3rd
A man has been charged in connection with two deliberately set fires in Edmonton and investigators believe he is responsible for a third.
-
Alberta RCMP officer charged with 2 counts of sexual assault
Const. Bridget Morla, a Leduc RCMP officer, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault in connection with an incident that happened two years ago.
-
Owner of Ardrossan gas station/restaurant property destroyed by fire plans to rebuild
The owner of a property that was the site of a Sunday fire that destroyed a gas station and restaurant east of Edmonton says he will rebuild it.
Regina
-
Government of Saskatchewan introduces affordability act with personal income tax measures
The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced promised legislation to lower personal income tax in the province.
-
Manz found guilty of one charge of sexual assault, acquitted on five others after 57 hours of deliberations
After being sequestered for more than 57 hours, a 12-person jury has found Regina chiropractor Ruben Manz guilty of one count of sexual assault.
-
Blockbuster WHL trade sees Warriors move captain Brayden Yager to Hurricanes
The Western Hockey League's (WHL) Moose Jaw Warriors traded captain Brayden Yager to the Lethbridge Hurricanes Monday.
Saskatoon
-
Over 7,000 Sask. patients have intimate medical info breached in lab hack
Over 7,000 patients in Saskatchewan had their intimate medical information breached by hackers, according to the province’s privacy watchdog.
-
Family of Sask. man who died following a violent arrest still pushing for answers
Friends and family of Boden Umpherville may be closer to finding answers on the circumstances surrounding his death.
-
Government of Saskatchewan introduces affordability act with personal income tax measures
The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced promised legislation to lower personal income tax in the province.
Vancouver
-
Vancouver police say 'investments in public safety' are driving down crime rates
With Vancouver poised to set its 2025 budget, top police brass are touting a year-over-year decrease in crime as evidence that increased funding for the department under Mayor Ken Sim and his council is paying off.
-
Driver 'doing donuts' crashes into house in Nanaimo, B.C.: RCMP
A driver who was “doing donuts” in a roundabout on a residential street in Nanaimo, B.C., lost control of his car and crashed into a home, according to police.
-
Knife-wielding man arrested following incident in Richmond, B.C.
A man who allegedly threatened the public with a weapon and chased a woman in Richmond, B.C., has been arrested.
Vancouver Island
-
Driver 'doing donuts' crashes into house in Nanaimo, B.C.: RCMP
A driver who was “doing donuts” in a roundabout on a residential street in Nanaimo, B.C., lost control of his car and crashed into a home, according to police.
-
‘A piece of our hearts missing:’ B.C. family announces tragic end to search for missing man with dementia
A 64-year-old man who went missing from his Saanich long-term care home last month has been found deceased on the Westshore – with his wallet and Cleveland Browns trading cards, according to family.
-
Motivated by obsession: Canadians accused in botched California murder plot in police custody
Two Canadians are in police custody in Monterey County, California, after a triple stabbing police say was motivated by a B.C. man's obsession with a woman he played video games with online.
