Billionaire Couple Dead, Killer Still at Large
On a cold December day in 2017, the bodies of Canadian billionaires Barry and Honey Sherman were discovered in their lavish Toronto mansion under circumstances that left investigators stunned. What initially seemed like a shocking domestic tragedy soon spiraled into one of Canada's most perplexing murder cases. With a $35 million reward on the table and no arrests after five years, the question remains: Who killed Barry and Honey Sherman, and why?
A Grisly Discovery
Barry, 75, and Honey, 70, were found in the pool room of their North York mansion, seated side by side with belts around their necks, tied to a pool railing. A realtor showing the home discovered their bodies on Dec. 15, 2017, though investigators later determined the couple had been dead for 36 hours. The cause of death was ruled as "ligature neck compression," or strangulation.
At first, police treated the deaths as a potential murder-suicide. The theory was met with outrage from the Shermans' family, who knew the couple's relationship was strong and their plans for the future were intact. The family hired private investigators, whose findings contradicted the initial police conclusions. Evidence of restraints and ligature marks suggested the Shermans had been bound and strangled by someone else, forcing police to finally label the case a double homicide six weeks later.
Unanswered Questions
The investigation has been fraught with complications. Toronto police mishandled key aspects of the crime scene, missing fingerprints, ignoring signs of forced entry, and taking days to process vital evidence. In 2021, police released grainy footage of an unknown individual seen walking near the Shermans' home the night of the murders. Dubbed the "walking man," the suspect remains unidentified, with detectives citing their "unusual gait" as the only defining characteristic.
Speculation about motives has only deepened the mystery. Barry Sherman was embroiled in lawsuits, including one filed on the day he died. Known for his generosity, he had also loaned millions of dollars to business associates and family members. Honey, a beloved philanthropist, had no known enemies, further puzzling investigators. With no forced entry at the scene, it's suspected the Shermans may have known their killer or killers.
A Family's Plea for Justice
The Shermans' children, devastated by the lack of answers, have offered a staggering $35 million reward for information leading to an arrest. As reported by CNN, their son, Jonathon Sherman said, "Every day since their deaths has been a nightmare," pleading for anyone with information to come forward. Their daughter, Alex Krawczyk, described the loss as "immeasurable," noting how her children now grow up without their grandparents' love and guidance.
Five years later, the murder of Barry and Honey Sherman remains an unsolved enigma. Was it a calculated hit driven by financial disputes, or something far more personal? The wealth, influence, and high-profile status of the victims have turned the case into a focal point of speculation and intrigue. With few leads, no arrests, and investigators remaining tight-lipped, the question of who killed the Shermans — and why — continues to haunt their family, community, and the nation.
References: Five years ago, a billionaire couple was found strangled beside their swimming pool. Their family is offering $35 million to help catch their killer | There Are Imponderables: The Strange Case of Barry Sherman
