Cops Reveal Cause of Death for Canadian Billionaire, Wife

Homicide squad has taken the lead in investigation
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 18, 2017 5:28 AM CST
Updated Dec 18, 2017 6:33 AM CST
Homicide Squad Takes Lead in Billionaire Death Case
Police tape surrounds the home of billionaire Barry Sherman on Saturday, Dec. 17 2017, in Toronto.   (AP Photo/Robert Gillies)

The investigation into the mysterious deaths of a billionaire and his wife is now being led by homicide detectives, police say—suggesting the deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman were either murder-suicide or a double murder. Police, who have described the deaths as "suspicious," revealed Sunday that the cause of death for both Shermans was "ligature neck compression," a form of strangulation, the CBC reports. Sources have told the media that the couple were found hanging near an indoor pool in the basement of their Toronto mansion. Police say they haven't found any sign of forced entry, or a note that could explain what happened to 75-year-old pharmaceutical tycoon Barry Sherman and his 70-year-old wife, both renowned philanthropists.

The couple's four children have rejected what they say are "rumors" that the deaths are being investigated as a murder-suicide, and many of the influential couple's friends agree. "There is absolutely zero debate in my mind, this was a double homicide," says Canadian Sen. Linda Frum, a longtime friend of the couple, per the New York Times. The Globe and Mail reports that just days before the bodies were found, Honey Sherman was enthusiastically making plans for their annual trip to Florida, emailing friends that she would be traveling to the state on Dec. 18 and Barry Sherman would join her a week later. The couple also sent out invitations last week to a dinner party at their winter home in Palm Beach. (More Barry Sherman stories.)

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