Toronto police are changing their tune in the murder of a prominent Canadian billionaire couple.
As CBC News reports, Detective Sgt. Susan Gomes of the homicide section told reporters at a Friday news conference that Barry and Honey Sherman “were targeted.”
The billionaire couple was discovered dead on Dec. 15, 2017, bound with belts to the railing of an indoor pool. Police investigating the crime scene determined the deaths to be “suspicious.” Then there was speculation that a murder-suicide was at play — but family members rejected that theory and soon hired some high-priced private investigators to assess the crime.
A source close to the private investigation told CBC Toronto this week that the crime was homicide. Local police have now reached that same conclusion.
Gomes told the news conference that the police were carefully assessing the evidence for the past six weeks.
“For them, it’s been difficult to balance their patience with their frustration with us and our investigation, not unlike any other family who has suffered such a sudden and profound loss,” Gomes said. “They have been understanding, co-operative and hopeful that this investigation can give them some answers.”
Gomes talked about having an “extensive list” of people slated to be interviewed but she would not name any suspects.
“Facts guide our focus,” Gomes said. “Conjecture and speculation have no place.”
Barry Sherman was the founder of the Apotex, a drug company with global distribution. He and his wife were close friends with political leaders at the federal, provincial and municipal level and were noted philanthropists.