3 men from U.K. arrested, charged in killing of Owen Sound, Ont., restaurant owner

The community of Owen Sound, Ontario, was left reeling after a tragic incident that took the life of a beloved restaurateur, Sharif Rahman. More than a year after his death, three men from the United Kingdom have been charged in connection with the attack that led to his untimely passing.

Robert Evans, 24, has been charged with manslaughter, while Robert Busby Evans, 47, and Barry Evans, 54, have been charged with accessory after the fact. The three accused individuals were in Canada on visitor visas at the time of the attack and fled the country shortly thereafter. The lead investigator, OPP Det. Insp. Jane Conway, stated that the accused individuals are currently in the U.K. and are facing extradition to Canada.

The attack on Rahman took place on August 17, 2023, outside The Curry House in downtown Owen Sound during a dispute over an unpaid dining bill. Rahman, a husband and father, later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in London, Ontario. The incident left the community in shock and prompted an outpouring of support for Rahman’s family.

In a statement read by Owen Sound Det. Const. Chevonne Martin, Rahman’s wife, Shayela Nasrin, expressed her gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in seeking justice for her husband. She also requested privacy and asked for media sensitivity in not repeatedly discussing the traumatic event.

Following Rahman’s death, police launched a homicide investigation and released surveillance footage of a suspect fleeing the scene. Almost a year later, arrests were made, leading to the recent charges against the three men from the U.K. The incident had a significant impact on the community, with Chief Craig Ambrose commending the efforts of local and provincial police in apprehending the suspects.

Efforts to bring the accused individuals back to Canada are underway with assistance from Interpol, the Ottawa Fugitive Apprehension Support Team, and U.K. law enforcement agencies. In memory of Rahman, the Sharifur Rahman Memorial Scholarship was established to continue his legacy of community engagement and generosity.

Rahman, who immigrated to Canada from Bangladesh over a decade ago, was known for his charitable contributions and volunteer work in the community. His wife now runs The Curry House, the restaurant he founded, as a testament to his enduring impact on Owen Sound.