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Crime

Homicide probe in death of billionaire couple

December 18, 2017

After the "suspicious" deaths of pharmaceuticals billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife, Honey, Toronto police have now revealed what killed the couple. Homicide detectives have taken the lead in the investigation.

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Honey Sherman und Barry Sherman
Image: Reuters/The Globe and Mail/J. Pinto

Canadian authorities have released further details on the deaths of billionaire couple Barry and Honey Sherman after they were found dead in their Toronto mansion under "suspicious" circumstances on Friday.

"The cause of death for both deceased was ligature neck compression," Toronto police said in a statement, without elaborating. The cause of death was determined after autopsies were carried out on the bodies over the weekend.

Homicide investigators have now been put in charge of investigating their deaths, the statement said. Police have asked anyone with information on the case to contact authorities.

Earlier, police had said there was no sign of forced entry and that they were not pursuing any suspects.

Newspapers in Canada have reported that the couple were found by a real estate agent involved in selling their house and that their bodies were located near their indoor pool.

Police outside home of Apotex billionaire Barry Sherman, and his wife, Honey, who were found dead inside
Police have previously said there were no signs of forced entry at the Sherman homeImage: picture-alliance/ZUMAPRESS/V. Biro

Pharmaceuticals giant

The 75-year-old Sherman began building a pharmaceutical empire with Apotex Inc. in 1974, turning it into the largest Canadian-owned pharmaceutical company.

Barry Sherman recently estimated his worth at 4.77 billion Canadian dollars (US $3.65 billion/€3.1 billion).

Their deaths sent shock waves throughout the country, drawing condolences from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, among others.

The Shermans were among the country's most generous philanthropists and were also active in fundraising for Trudeau's Liberal party.

rs/cmk (AFP, Reuters)