Barry Sherman
High-Profile Homicide Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TIME PERIOD
December 13, 2017
VICTIMS
2 confirmed
On December 13, 2017, Barry Sherman, a prominent Canadian businessman and CEO of Apotex Inc., was found dead in his Toronto home, the victims of a homicide by strangulation. The case remains unsolved, with investigators continuing to seek leads and information regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Despite extensive inquiries, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
The content does not contain any theories or speculation regarding Barry Sherman or the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Life and Death of Barry Sherman: A Tale of Wealth, Philanthropy, and Mystery
Case Essentials
On December 13, 2017, the city of Toronto was rocked by the shocking deaths of Barry Sherman and his wife, Honey. Found in their home, they had succumbed to what was later determined to be a homicide by strangulation. This was no ordinary couple; Barry Sherman was a titan in the pharmaceutical industry, the chairman and CEO of Apotex Inc., and one of the wealthiest individuals in Canada, with an estimated net worth of $3.2 billion according to Forbes. Canadian Business listed his fortune at CA$4.77 billion, making him the 15th richest man in the country.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Born Bernard Charles Sherman on February 25, 1942, in Toronto, Barry grew up in a Jewish family. His father, Herbert "Hyman" Sherman, was involved in the zipper business, while his mother, Sara, was an occupational therapist after Herbert's untimely death from a heart attack when Barry was just ten years old. His family had fled the persecution of Jews in Russia and Poland, setting the stage for Barry’s relentless drive.
A prodigious talent, Sherman won a national physics contest during his time at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, graduating with stellar marks. His academic journey took him to the University of Toronto's Engineering Science program at just 16, one of the youngest students ever admitted. Summers saw him working for his uncle, Louis Lloyd Winter, at Empire Laboratories, where he developed an early interest in business.
Sherman graduated with top honors in 1964, receiving the Governor General's Award for his thesis, and went on to earn a PhD in astrophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1967.
Building an Empire
Sherman's foray into the pharmaceutical industry began in earnest when he acquired Empire Laboratories after the deaths of his uncle and aunt in 1965. Under an agreement with the Winter estate, Sherman was to allow the Winter children to work at Empire and purchase stakes once they reached a certain age. However, Sherman sold Empire in 1969, voiding this arrangement.
His next venture, Apotex, founded in 1974, would become Canada's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer. Sherman was known for his combative nature, often engaging in litigation with competitors and regulators alike. Apotex, under his leadership, became a powerhouse, employing over 10,000 people and boasting revenues of about $1.5 billion annually by 2016.
A Complex Businessman
Sherman's business acumen was not limited to pharmaceuticals. He invested in various ventures, including some that turned out to be fraudulent. His generosity and trust often led him into risky ventures, such as a yacht-chartering company that never owned yachts and a nutritional supplement business tied to fraudster Kevin Trudeau.
Despite these setbacks, Sherman was a steadfast supporter of Frank D'Angelo, backing his ventures even after D'Angelo faced legal troubles. Sherman's willingness to invest in dubious businesses puzzled many, but it reflected his trust and generosity.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
In 1971, Sherman married Honey Reich, an Austrian national and daughter of Polish Jewish Holocaust survivors. The couple had four children: Jonathon, Lauren, Alexandra, and Kaelen. While Sherman was known to be a workaholic, Honey was the social butterfly of the family. Their philanthropic efforts were significant, donating millions to Jewish charities and community centers.
Sherman’s philanthropy extended through the Apotex Foundation, which donated over $50 million worth of medicines to disaster zones since 2007. Yet, his charitable practices came under scrutiny when it was revealed that he used foundations to secure tax credits, raising ethical concerns.
The Enigmatic Legacy
Barry Sherman's legacy is a complex tapestry of philanthropy and controversy. While Toronto Mayor John Tory praised the Shermans as "kind, good people," critics like law professor Amir Attaran accused him of exploiting the Canadian healthcare system. Sherman's aggressive business tactics made him a feared and respected figure in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sherman himself acknowledged the animosity from competitors, famously questioning why they hadn't hired someone to "knock me off." This perception of danger was not unfounded, as private investigators once considered framing him to undermine his business.
Legal Battles and Corporate Warfare
Under Sherman, Apotex was notorious for its litigious nature, frequently suing government agencies and competitors. The company filed an estimated 1,200 cases against the Canadian government, incurring millions in legal fees. Sherman’s relentless pursuit of legal battles stemmed from a sense of righteous certitude, as he believed in Apotex's role as a disruptor in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Unanswered Questions
Despite an initial theory of murder-suicide, the investigation into the Shermans' deaths remains active and ongoing, with the Toronto Police Service developing a working theory as of May 2022. The mystery surrounding their deaths casts a shadow over Sherman's storied life, leaving unanswered questions about the circumstances that led to their tragic end.
Sources
For a more detailed exploration of Barry Sherman's life and the ongoing investigation, visit the Wikipedia article.
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Barry and Honey Sherman Found Dead
The bodies of billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife Honey were discovered in their Toronto home, tied and showing signs of strangulation.
Investigation Begins
Toronto Police Service Homicide Squad takes over the investigation, initially considering the deaths as suspicious.
Police Confirm Murders
Toronto Police announce that Barry and Honey Sherman were murdered in a targeted attack.
Police Develop Working Theory
Toronto Police state they have a working theory of the case and an idea of what happened.
Private Investigation Closed
The private investigation into the murders by the Sherman family is officially closed.
Revised Timeline Released
Police reveal that Barry and Honey Sherman were likely murdered within hours of returning home on December 13.
Case Still Active
Toronto Police announce that the case remains active and ongoing, with no charges filed.
Increased Reward Offered
The Sherman family increases the reward for information leading to an arrest in the case to $35 million.
Supreme Court Unseals Estate Files
The Supreme Court rules to unseal the estate files of Barry and Honey Sherman, allowing public access.
On December 13, 2017, Barry Sherman, a prominent Canadian businessman and CEO of Apotex Inc., was found dead in his Toronto home, the victims of a homicide by strangulation. The case remains unsolved, with investigators continuing to seek leads and information regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Despite extensive inquiries, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
The content does not contain any theories or speculation regarding Barry Sherman or the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Life and Death of Barry Sherman: A Tale of Wealth, Philanthropy, and Mystery
Case Essentials
On December 13, 2017, the city of Toronto was rocked by the shocking deaths of Barry Sherman and his wife, Honey. Found in their home, they had succumbed to what was later determined to be a homicide by strangulation. This was no ordinary couple; Barry Sherman was a titan in the pharmaceutical industry, the chairman and CEO of Apotex Inc., and one of the wealthiest individuals in Canada, with an estimated net worth of $3.2 billion according to Forbes. Canadian Business listed his fortune at CA$4.77 billion, making him the 15th richest man in the country.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Born Bernard Charles Sherman on February 25, 1942, in Toronto, Barry grew up in a Jewish family. His father, Herbert "Hyman" Sherman, was involved in the zipper business, while his mother, Sara, was an occupational therapist after Herbert's untimely death from a heart attack when Barry was just ten years old. His family had fled the persecution of Jews in Russia and Poland, setting the stage for Barry’s relentless drive.
A prodigious talent, Sherman won a national physics contest during his time at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, graduating with stellar marks. His academic journey took him to the University of Toronto's Engineering Science program at just 16, one of the youngest students ever admitted. Summers saw him working for his uncle, Louis Lloyd Winter, at Empire Laboratories, where he developed an early interest in business.
Sherman graduated with top honors in 1964, receiving the Governor General's Award for his thesis, and went on to earn a PhD in astrophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1967.
Building an Empire
Sherman's foray into the pharmaceutical industry began in earnest when he acquired Empire Laboratories after the deaths of his uncle and aunt in 1965. Under an agreement with the Winter estate, Sherman was to allow the Winter children to work at Empire and purchase stakes once they reached a certain age. However, Sherman sold Empire in 1969, voiding this arrangement.
His next venture, Apotex, founded in 1974, would become Canada's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer. Sherman was known for his combative nature, often engaging in litigation with competitors and regulators alike. Apotex, under his leadership, became a powerhouse, employing over 10,000 people and boasting revenues of about $1.5 billion annually by 2016.
A Complex Businessman
Sherman's business acumen was not limited to pharmaceuticals. He invested in various ventures, including some that turned out to be fraudulent. His generosity and trust often led him into risky ventures, such as a yacht-chartering company that never owned yachts and a nutritional supplement business tied to fraudster Kevin Trudeau.
Despite these setbacks, Sherman was a steadfast supporter of Frank D'Angelo, backing his ventures even after D'Angelo faced legal troubles. Sherman's willingness to invest in dubious businesses puzzled many, but it reflected his trust and generosity.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
In 1971, Sherman married Honey Reich, an Austrian national and daughter of Polish Jewish Holocaust survivors. The couple had four children: Jonathon, Lauren, Alexandra, and Kaelen. While Sherman was known to be a workaholic, Honey was the social butterfly of the family. Their philanthropic efforts were significant, donating millions to Jewish charities and community centers.
Sherman’s philanthropy extended through the Apotex Foundation, which donated over $50 million worth of medicines to disaster zones since 2007. Yet, his charitable practices came under scrutiny when it was revealed that he used foundations to secure tax credits, raising ethical concerns.
The Enigmatic Legacy
Barry Sherman's legacy is a complex tapestry of philanthropy and controversy. While Toronto Mayor John Tory praised the Shermans as "kind, good people," critics like law professor Amir Attaran accused him of exploiting the Canadian healthcare system. Sherman's aggressive business tactics made him a feared and respected figure in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sherman himself acknowledged the animosity from competitors, famously questioning why they hadn't hired someone to "knock me off." This perception of danger was not unfounded, as private investigators once considered framing him to undermine his business.
Legal Battles and Corporate Warfare
Under Sherman, Apotex was notorious for its litigious nature, frequently suing government agencies and competitors. The company filed an estimated 1,200 cases against the Canadian government, incurring millions in legal fees. Sherman’s relentless pursuit of legal battles stemmed from a sense of righteous certitude, as he believed in Apotex's role as a disruptor in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Unanswered Questions
Despite an initial theory of murder-suicide, the investigation into the Shermans' deaths remains active and ongoing, with the Toronto Police Service developing a working theory as of May 2022. The mystery surrounding their deaths casts a shadow over Sherman's storied life, leaving unanswered questions about the circumstances that led to their tragic end.
Sources
For a more detailed exploration of Barry Sherman's life and the ongoing investigation, visit the Wikipedia article.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Barry and Honey Sherman Found Dead
The bodies of billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife Honey were discovered in their Toronto home, tied and showing signs of strangulation.
Investigation Begins
Toronto Police Service Homicide Squad takes over the investigation, initially considering the deaths as suspicious.
Police Confirm Murders
Toronto Police announce that Barry and Honey Sherman were murdered in a targeted attack.
Police Develop Working Theory
Toronto Police state they have a working theory of the case and an idea of what happened.
Private Investigation Closed
The private investigation into the murders by the Sherman family is officially closed.
Revised Timeline Released
Police reveal that Barry and Honey Sherman were likely murdered within hours of returning home on December 13.
Case Still Active
Toronto Police announce that the case remains active and ongoing, with no charges filed.
Increased Reward Offered
The Sherman family increases the reward for information leading to an arrest in the case to $35 million.
Supreme Court Unseals Estate Files
The Supreme Court rules to unseal the estate files of Barry and Honey Sherman, allowing public access.