Northern Ontario teen recovering in hospital after being attacked; ex-boyfriend charged with attempted murder

Victim's supporters flood northern Ont. courthouse Dozens of 'Justice for Kaylie' supporters were at the Haileybury courthouse Tuesday for the hearing of a man accused of trying to kill her.

**WARNING - This article contains graphic details of intimate partner violence and may be upsetting to some readers

Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus was among approximately 120 people who gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil near the scene of a vicious attack against a 16-year-old in Cobalt.

Kaylie Smith was getting off the bus at the intersection of Upper Helen Street and Prospect Avenue in Cobalt around 6 p.m. Nov. 3 when her ex-boyfriend allegedly hit her with his car before getting out and attacking her with a sword, Ontario Provincial Police said.

Her left hand was severed in the attack.

Phillip Rivard Gagnon, 18, allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle and was arrested on Algonquin Drive in the Haileybury area of Temiskaming Shores shortly after.

Gagnon was serving a conditional sentence when he was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons possession.

Police are calling the attack a case of intimate partner violence.

"The Town of Cobalt came out tonight in a beautiful display of love for Kaylie Smith," Angus said in a social media post.

"Horrific violence has taken place, but now is the time for solidarity, community and healing. We light candles to tell darkness that it has no dominion over us."

An online fundraising campaign has raised more than $94,000 in one week.

The money raised will help support her family, cover any legal fees or anything else she might need during her recovery.

Smith is awake and stable in hospital in Ottawa.

CTV News is naming the victim at the request of her family.

Gagnon remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 12 in Haileybury.

None of the charges laid against him on Nov. 3 have been proven in court.

A protest is planned for outside the courthouse Tuesday morning calling for the judge to deny bail for the accused.

Help is available

Confidential and free support is available for people experiencing violence. In an emergency, call 911.