Murder-suicide is the working theory for police investigating death of billionaire and his wife
The bodies of Barry Sherman and his wife Honey were found in their North York mansion just before noon Friday.
Toronto
police are probing the deaths of billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife
with the theory that it was a murder-suicide, police sources confirm to
the Star.
The bodies of Sherman, 75, and his wife Honey were found in their North York mansion just before noon Friday.
Officially, Toronto police have released little information about the deaths, beyond that they were deemed suspicious.
But police sources say police are now probing the deaths with the possibility that they were a murder-suicide.
Late Saturday afternoon, the family of Barry and Honey Sherman released a statement saying they don’t believe the murder-suicide theory. The couple have four children.
The bodies of Sherman, 75, and his wife Honey were found in their North York mansion just before noon Friday.
Officially, Toronto police have released little information about the deaths, beyond that they were deemed suspicious.
But police sources say police are now probing the deaths with the possibility that they were a murder-suicide.
Late Saturday afternoon, the family of Barry and Honey Sherman released a statement saying they don’t believe the murder-suicide theory. The couple have four children.
“Our
parents shared an enthusiasm for life and commitment to their family and
community totally inconsistent with the rumors regrettably circulated
in the media as to the circumstances surrounding their deaths,” the
statement said.
“We are shocked and think it’s irresponsible that police sources have reportedly advised the media of a theory which neither their family, their friends nor their colleagues believe to be true.
“We urge the Toronto Police Service to conduct a thorough, intensive and objective criminal investigation, and urge the media to refrain from further reporting as to the cause of these tragic deaths until the investigation is completed.”
“We are shocked and think it’s irresponsible that police sources have reportedly advised the media of a theory which neither their family, their friends nor their colleagues believe to be true.
“We urge the Toronto Police Service to conduct a thorough, intensive and objective criminal investigation, and urge the media to refrain from further reporting as to the cause of these tragic deaths until the investigation is completed.”
The
bodies were discovered by the couple’s real estate agent, who had been
helping to sell the multimillion-dollar home. The agent entered the
house after having not been able to get hold of the couple.
The bodies were located together by the Shermans’ indoor pool, according to a police source.
Toronto police homicide squad is being consulted on the investigation, but the squad has not taken over as lead investigators. As of Saturday afternoon, the case was being handled by detectives with Toronto police’s 33 division.
A post-mortem on both bodies was being conducted on Saturday.
Sherman, the founder of generic drug giant Apotex, was one of the richest men in the country, with an estimated net worth of $4.6 billion. He built Apotex from a two-employee company in Toronto into a global pharmaceutical organization that employs more than 11,000 people around the world.
The couple had donated millions across the city, from the United Jewish Appeal to the United Way. A charitable arm of Apotex has shipped millions of dollars worth of medicine to disaster zones.
Police said circumstances of the deaths “appear to be suspicious,” but noted they are not looking for any suspects and that there were no signs of forced entry.
After building their residence, the Shermans moved into the housee in January 1991.
Friends and colleagues of the couple were heartbroken to hear of the deaths on Friday.
“All of us at Apotex are deeply shocked and saddened by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time,” Apotex wrote in a news release.
On Saturday, the home page of the Apotex website memorialized Barry Sherman and the legacy he built.
“Dr. Sherman gave his life to the singular purpose of our organization — innovating for patient affordability,” the commemoration read. “Patients around the world live healthier and more fulfilled lives thanks to his life’s work, and his significant impact on healthcare and healthcare sustainability will have an enduring impact for many years to come.
“As employees, we are proud of his tremendous accomplishments, honored to have known him, and vow to carry on with the Apotex purpose in his honor.”
An Apotex spokesperson added that the company’s priority is ensuring the family’s privacy is respected.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his condolences over Twitter Friday night.
“Sophie and I are saddened by news of the sudden passing of Barry and Honey Sherman,” the tweet read. “Our condolences to their family (and) friends, and to everyone touched by their vision (and) spirit.”
Mayor John Tory also released a statement Friday.
“On behalf of all Toronto residents, I want to express my deepest condolences to the Sherman family.
“I am shocked and heartbroken to learn that Barry and Honey Sherman were found dead in their home today. I have had the privilege of knowing them both well for many years.”
With files from Victoria Gibson, Brennan Doherty, Jaren Kerr, Alex McKeen and The Canadian Press
The bodies were located together by the Shermans’ indoor pool, according to a police source.
Toronto police homicide squad is being consulted on the investigation, but the squad has not taken over as lead investigators. As of Saturday afternoon, the case was being handled by detectives with Toronto police’s 33 division.
A post-mortem on both bodies was being conducted on Saturday.
Sherman, the founder of generic drug giant Apotex, was one of the richest men in the country, with an estimated net worth of $4.6 billion. He built Apotex from a two-employee company in Toronto into a global pharmaceutical organization that employs more than 11,000 people around the world.
The couple had donated millions across the city, from the United Jewish Appeal to the United Way. A charitable arm of Apotex has shipped millions of dollars worth of medicine to disaster zones.
Police said circumstances of the deaths “appear to be suspicious,” but noted they are not looking for any suspects and that there were no signs of forced entry.
After building their residence, the Shermans moved into the housee in January 1991.
Friends and colleagues of the couple were heartbroken to hear of the deaths on Friday.
“All of us at Apotex are deeply shocked and saddened by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time,” Apotex wrote in a news release.
On Saturday, the home page of the Apotex website memorialized Barry Sherman and the legacy he built.
“Dr. Sherman gave his life to the singular purpose of our organization — innovating for patient affordability,” the commemoration read. “Patients around the world live healthier and more fulfilled lives thanks to his life’s work, and his significant impact on healthcare and healthcare sustainability will have an enduring impact for many years to come.
“As employees, we are proud of his tremendous accomplishments, honored to have known him, and vow to carry on with the Apotex purpose in his honor.”
An Apotex spokesperson added that the company’s priority is ensuring the family’s privacy is respected.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his condolences over Twitter Friday night.
“Sophie and I are saddened by news of the sudden passing of Barry and Honey Sherman,” the tweet read. “Our condolences to their family (and) friends, and to everyone touched by their vision (and) spirit.”
Mayor John Tory also released a statement Friday.
“On behalf of all Toronto residents, I want to express my deepest condolences to the Sherman family.
“I am shocked and heartbroken to learn that Barry and Honey Sherman were found dead in their home today. I have had the privilege of knowing them both well for many years.”
With files from Victoria Gibson, Brennan Doherty, Jaren Kerr, Alex McKeen and The Canadian Press
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