Toronto police homicide detectives have taken over the investigation into the "suspicious" deaths of one of Canada's richest men and his wife after autopsy results revealed the couple died from "ligature neck compression" or strangulation.
The bodies of pharmaceuticals billionaire Barry Sherman, 75, and his wife Honey, 70, were found shortly before noon Friday after police and emergency services were called for a "medical complaint" to their mansion in the upscale North York neighbourhood.
Police released the autopsy results Sunday evening but said there were no signs of forced entry into the home and that they were not seeking any suspects.
Several media outlets reported via unnamed police sources that investigators were looking into a possible murder-suicide. The claims were swiftly denied by the Sherman family.
"Our parents shared an enthusiasm for life and commitment to their family and community totally inconsistent with the rumours regrettably circulated in the media as to the circumstances surrounding their deaths," the Shermans' four children said Saturday.
"We are shocked and think it's irresponsible that police sources have reportedly advised the media of a theory which neither their family, their friends nor their colleagues believe to be true," their statement added.
Linda Frum, a longtime friend of the couple and Canadian senator, told The New York Times: "There is absolutely zero debate in my mind, this was a double homicide."
Sherman, the founder of generic drug company Apotex, had an estimated net worth of 4.77 billion Canadian dollars (3.71 billion US dollars), making him Canada's 15th richest person. Apotex employs more than 10,000 people globally.
