TORONTO, ONTARIO: The family of a billionaire couple, who was murdered five years ago has been offering $35 million as a reward for information about the unsolved crime amid frustration over a lack of progress in the investigation.
Barry Sherman, 75, and his wife Honey Sherman, 70 were found dead at their Toronto mansion on December 15, 2017. The deceased bodies were reportedly discovered by a realtor, fully dressed, beside their indoor basement swimming pool. The couple was found semi-seated side by side with belts around their necks that were tied to the pool's handrail. According to official reports, the pair hadn't been heard from by any of their friends or business partners in around two days. The investigators also didn’t find any signs of forced entry to their mansion. Barry was one of the wealthiest men in Canada. He founded Apotex in 1974 and grew it into a major pharmaceutical company. He and his wife were well-known philanthropists who gave millions to hospitals, universities, and Jewish organizations. Their combined net worth is estimated to be between $5 billion and $10 billion, as per BBC.
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Initially, Police believed that the fatalities were a murder-suicide. An autopsy report also revealed that the couple died from “ligature neck compression,” or strangulation. “The manner was undetermined with the only presented options being double suicide, murder/suicide or double homicide,” Detective Sergeant Susan Gomes said according to CNN. But the four adult children of the couple found the police’s claims suspicious and hired their own forensic pathologists and private investigators.
However, in January 2018 - about six weeks after the couple was found dead, the investigators made a shocking revelation. They announced that the Shermans were victims of homicide, adding that they believed the couple was targeted. Police also indicated that the double killing may have had financial motives, CBC reported. Since the Shermans' murder, police have conducted at least 250 witness interviews, received 1,255 tips from the public, and obtained 41 warrants. In an apparent breakthrough, the investigators last year asked the public to assist them in identifying the "walking person," a figure on a sidewalk whose actions were considered “highly suspicious.” Police connected the suspicious man to the murders but failed to find any evidence leading to his identity.
On this week’s anniversary of the gruesome murders, Jonathon Sherman, the couple’s son, offered an additional $25 million for information leading to an arrest. The award now stands at $35 million. Announcing the reward, Jonathan said, “Closure will not be possible until those responsible for this evil act are brought to justice.”
“I have been overwhelmed with pain, loss, and sorrow and these feelings only continuously compound. This immeasurable pain is felt every day when I realize that my own two children will never have the privilege of meeting my parents who made their lives possible for me and my husband,” he said in a statement. “I continue to miss my parents more than I can describe, and I am forever haunted by what happened to them.”
Meanwhile, the Toronto police said the investigation remains open and they remain “committed to resolving this case and bringing closure to the family and friends” of the Shermans.