Canadian billionaires Barry and Honey Sherman were 'murdered', Toronto police say

Couple found in pool area of their mansion in North York, Toronto, in December

Honey and Barry Sherman, chairman and CEO of Apotex Inc, in 2010 (Reuters)

A billionaire philanthropist and his wife who were found dead side-by-side were both murdered, police have confirmed.

Toronto officers confirmed the deaths of Barry Sherman, 75, and Honey Sherman, 70 – one of Canada’s richest couples – as a double homicide.

“We believe we have sufficient evidence to describe this as a double homicide and that both were targeted,” detective sergeant Susan Gomes said.

The couple were found dead by an estate agent on 15 December in the pool area of their mansion in North York, Toronto.

An initial autopsy showed the couple had died from strangulation.

The couple’s home was up for sale at the time and police say there were no signs of forced entry.

The family said in statement shortly after the police update: “The announcement by the Toronto Police Service that the tragic deaths of their parents are being investigated as a double homicide was anticipated by the Sherman family.

“This conclusion was expressed by the family from the outset and is consistent with the findings of the independent autopsy and investigation.

“The family continues to support the Toronto Police Service in their efforts to seek justice for their parents and pursue those responsible for these unspeakable crimes.”

Mr Sherman founded the company Apotex Inc in 1974, which is now the largest Canadian-owned pharmaceutical company.