Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador — Evan Long, a 34-year-old man, appeared in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador on Monday, June 2, seeking to express his remorse for a violent incident that left a lasting impact on his life and the victim’s. Following a jury trial on January 21, 2025, Long was convicted of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
During the sentencing hearing, Long conveyed his desire to move past the events that led to his conviction. He acknowledged the gravity of his actions, which involved a knife and an axe in an attack on a 57-year-old man outside an apartment in Corner Brook in March 2023. The victim, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, had reportedly been subjected to ongoing harassment from Long prior to the assault.
The Crown attorney, Darby Ashton, characterized the attack as premeditated and unprovoked. Ashton highlighted the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim, including stab wounds to the neck and shoulders, and noted that the assault posed a significant risk of death. Ashton recommended a prison sentence of five to six years while indicating that the court could impose concurrent sentences for the other charges.
In her defense, Courtney Mills, Long’s attorney, argued that although there was an element of planning involved, the attack was a reaction to ongoing harassment. Mills portrayed Long as a man pushed to his breaking point, contending that his actions stemmed not from aggression, but from desperation. She requested a lighter sentence of two to three years, emphasizing the importance of considering Long’s Indigenous background and suggesting a focus on rehabilitation over punishment.
As the court heard arguments, it became clear that the dynamic between Long and the victim was complicated. Text messages exchanged between Long and his sister indicated that he was contemplating an attack earlier that day, which Ashton argued demonstrated premeditation. However, Mills contended that the victim had instigated the situation through persistent harassment, complicating the narrative of the events leading up to the violent confrontation.
Justice George Murphy will review the arguments presented by both sides and release a sentencing decision on August 22. Long, who spent 345 days in custody prior to being granted bail, will have this time factored into any sentence imposed.
As Long awaits his fate, the case sheds light on the broader issues of violence, mental health, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships, particularly in the context of harassment and its repercussions. The court’s decision will not only affect Long’s future but may also set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the region, emphasizing the delicate balance between justice and rehabilitation.