Canada - Barry, 75, & Honey Sherman, 70, found dead, Toronto, 15 Dec 2017 #14

[ldlager]

I just looked again at the plans. There is a staircase in the front of the house.
The second one is the spiral staircase in the kitchen area.

Yes there are 2 staircases. They both go to the basement. One is opposite the breakfast area, as I indicated; one is in the rear of the kitchen.
In your original posting you indicated there was a stairway in the foyer, which there is not.
In any event, I assume the furnace man saw nothing unusual in his trip to and from the basement.

View attachment 274389
Barry and Honey Sherman sued builders of North York home

I vaguely recall noticing a better photo somewhere but isn’t that a glimpse of the spiral staircase leading from the main foyer to the 2nd level on the right side of this photo?

I’m sure We are all talking about the same staircase. I don’t classify it as being in the foyer since the floor plan has an area clearly identified as “foyer” and there is no staircase in the foyer. There is a staircase opposite the breakfast room which is the one shown in the picture.

 

[RHR]

Here is a pic that shows the spiral staircase at the basement level. Looking at the floorplans, this also seems to be the area where the 'back door' from basement to exterior is located, as well as the door leading into the house from the garage (PDF of basement level is also attached here).

Personally, I cannot imagine that they would have workmen coming into the house via the main floor with their workboots and such, to walk across the marble floors to the staircase, if there was an entry door toward the rear of the home leading to the basement?

The article says the HVAC guy followed the trainer and housekeeper into the house, but perhaps if he had been back and forth to his truck (to get tools/supplies, etc), he may have ended up exiting out of the basement door.. and wondering if perhaps that is how that rear door could have remained unlocked? He would have had no way to lock it after himself, unless it locked automatically or unless it was one of those cheap push-button type of door-handle locks (but even then, he could have not bothered, or simply forgotten to lock it).

It was a short time after his visit that the bodies were discovered, and reportedly by the time police arrived, that basement exterior door was found unlocked. Knowing there had been an HVAC worker right around that area just a couple of hours earlier, gives another potential explanation. However, I am sure the HVAC worker gave a statement to police and would've indicated if he'd used the door and/or if it was locked in the first place, or if he left it unlocked, etc., and hopefully police would've looked for prints. It's also possible the door's locked status was rarely checked on, being in the basement and such a large house. I guess the cleaning lady would know about those types of things. imo.

Look at picture below in conjunction with the PDF also attached to see where it is located in relation to exterior basement door, garage entry to the house, etc.
View attachment 274344

The side door they w

Here is a pic that shows the spiral staircase at the basement level. Looking at the floorplans, this also seems to be the area where the 'back door' from basement to exterior is located, as well as the door leading into the house from the garage (PDF of basement level is also attached here).

Personally, I cannot imagine that they would have workmen coming into the house via the main floor with their workboots and such, to walk across the marble floors to the staircase, if there was an entry door toward the rear of the home leading to the basement?

The article says the HVAC guy followed the trainer and housekeeper into the house, but perhaps if he had been back and forth to his truck (to get tools/supplies, etc), he may have ended up exiting out of the basement door.. and wondering if perhaps that is how that rear door could have remained unlocked? He would have had no way to lock it after himself, unless it locked automatically or unless it was one of those cheap push-button type of door-handle locks (but even then, he could have not bothered, or simply forgotten to lock it).

It was a short time after his visit that the bodies were discovered, and reportedly by the time police arrived, that basement exterior door was found unlocked. Knowing there had been an HVAC worker right around that area just a couple of hours earlier, gives another potential explanation. However, I am sure the HVAC worker gave a statement to police and would've indicated if he'd used the door and/or if it was locked in the first place, or if he left it unlocked, etc., and hopefully police would've looked for prints. It's also possible the door's locked status was rarely checked on, being in the basement and such a large house. I guess the cleaning lady would know about those types of things. imo.

Look at picture below in conjunction with the PDF also attached to see where it is located in relation to exterior basement door, garage entry to the house, etc.
View attachment 274344

The side door they went through was the same one Honey always used and is a utility type of area. There is a laundry room etc there. I am sure the furnace guy took is shoes of and left them at the side door.
He was a regular service person. I am sure he knew the house well and was comfortable finding way down to the furnace room.

 

[RHR]

Yes there are 2 staircases. They both go to the basement. One is opposite the breakfast area, as I indicated; one is in the rear of the kitchen.
In your original posting you indicated there was a stairway in the foyer, which there is not.
In any event, I assume the furnace man saw nothing unusual in his trip to and from the basement.

I am sorry. There is a staircase in the hall/foyer.
If you look at the photos of the house you will see on the left side of the foyer/hall there is a staircase. The second one is at the back of the house. The one in the back of the house is spiral. That is the one the ends close to the door that leads to the garage.
There is no way that the furnace guy would walk all the way to the back of the house to have to walk back to the front where the furnace room is.
I am not able to download the photos but they are on line.

 

[dotr]

Sorry to re post this, but @ 1:40 the staircases are shown and briefly discussed.
If the video says to sign in, just click'' not now'' and it will play.

 

[MistyWaters]

Yes there are 2 staircases. They both go to the basement. One is opposite the breakfast area, as I indicated; one is in the rear of the kitchen.
In your original posting you indicated there was a stairway in the foyer, which there is not.
In any event, I assume the furnace man saw nothing unusual in his trip to and from the basement.

I’m sure We are all talking about the same staircase. I don’t classify it as being in the foyer since the floor plan has an area clearly identified as “foyer” and there is no staircase in the foyer. There is a staircase opposite the breakfast room which is the one shown in the picture.

here is a floor plan for future reference- it has come in handy multiple times! https://media.houssmax.ca/201711/29/5a1f32afd3797.pdf

From the floor plan it appears to me one spiral staircase extends up and down, connecting all 3 levels - either up from the main floor near the foyer to the 2nd level OR down to the basement. What am I seeing incorrectly and is it time I get an eye exam??? Otherwise if there’s not a staircase, how would the 2nd level with the bedrooms be accessed?

 

[dotr]

Lengthy article with video and pics.
Dec 05, 2020
WARMINGTON: Investigators should 'follow the money' to solve Sherman murders | Toronto Sun

''Believing the motive behind the 2018 double murder of billionaire couple Honey and Barry Sherman was rooted in “money,” friend and business associate Jack Kay is hopeful police will soon have an answer to this mystery.

“Hopefully in 2021 we will,” the former Apotex CEO and vice chair said.''
''Toronto Police have not said they have suspects, but they do have “persons of interest.”

This did not surprise Kay, who believes persons of interest is code for something else.

“My assumption is they have suspects but they don’t have solid proof and that is what they are trying to get,” said Kay.

As far as a reason to kill them? Kay has his own thoughts.

“In most murder cases around the world just follow the money,” he said.''

''Kay is now the vice-chairman of EmpowerPharm, which is developing an exciting new synthetic cannabis medication to treat anxiety. At 80, Kay knows all about stress.

As a result of what happened, “I am under a (physician’s) care … I have PTSD.”

 

[MistyWaters]

Lengthy article with video and pics.
Dec 05, 2020
WARMINGTON: Investigators should 'follow the money' to solve Sherman murders | Toronto Sun

''Believing the motive behind the 2018 double murder of billionaire couple Honey and Barry Sherman was rooted in “money,” friend and business associate Jack Kay is hopeful police will soon have an answer to this mystery.

“Hopefully in 2021 we will,” the former Apotex CEO and vice chair said.''
''Toronto Police have not said they have suspects, but they do have “persons of interest.”

This did not surprise Kay, who believes persons of interest is code for something else.

“My assumption is they have suspects but they don’t have solid proof and that is what they are trying to get,” said Kay.

As far as a reason to kill them? Kay has his own thoughts.

“In most murder cases around the world just follow the money,” he said.''

''Kay is now the vice-chairman of EmpowerPharm, which is developing an exciting new synthetic cannabis medication to treat anxiety. At 80, Kay knows all about stress.

As a result of what happened, “I am under a (physician’s) care … I have PTSD.”

So much for voice changing software!

“Rooted in money”, no argument there.

The murders no doubt impacted everyone close to the Shermans, sadly JK is dealing with PTSD in his senior years. But it’s great to see he’s hopeful an arrest will be made in 2021.

JMO

 

[RHR]

From the floor plan it appears to me one spiral staircase extends up and down, connecting all 3 levels - either up from the main floor near the foyer to the 2nd level OR down to the basement. What am I seeing incorrectly and is it time I get an eye exam??? Otherwise if there’s not a staircase, how would the 2nd level with the bedrooms be accessed?

You don't need an eye exam... It is a weird layout.
Both staircases go to from the basement up to second floor. The spiral ended in B and H's bedroom in the corner of the sitting area behind the wall with the tv that faced their bed.
The foyer has a large chandelier hanging through the opening of the front area foyer/hall.
Staircase to the left.

 

[dotr]

THE SHERMANS: Friend remembers slain couple; hopes for an arrest soon
•Dec 4, 2020

WARMINGTON: Investigators should 'follow the money' to solve Sherman murders | Toronto Sun
''The family put up a $10 million reward but Sherman cousin Kerry Winter says while “Barry was like a father to me” and “I feel for his children not having closure,” I “don’t believe there’s multiple phantom murderers” and that “nobody will collect the $10 million.”
Perhaps we will find out in 2021?No one is more hopeful than Jack Kay, who has advice for those trying to solve this.

“Just follow the money and you might come up with something,” he advised.''

 

[casesensitive]

From the floor plan it appears to me one spiral staircase extends up and down, connecting all 3 levels

-

Watch the video: What happened inside Barry and Honey Sherman's home before they were murdered

Mar. 03, 2020
''What happened inside Barry and Honey Sherman's North Toronto home between a Wednesday evening and a Friday morning in December 2017 is the focus of a Toronto Police homicide probe.

The Toronto Star has come up with a likely scenario using clues provided by sources, photographs and floor plans from the home, as well as a timeline of events.''

Cannot recall if this 2019 video was already posted or not, it is hosted by a Bloomberg writer familiar with the Shermans.

Read Matthew Campbell's full story in Bloomberg Businessweek: https://www.bloomberg.com/features/20

Thanks dotr, this video describes the floor plan re stairways and entrance doors.

 

[casesensitive]

So much for voice changing software!

“Rooted in money”, no argument there.

The murders no doubt impacted everyone close to the Shermans, sadly JK is dealing with PTSD in his senior years. But it’s great to see he’s hopeful an arrest will be made in 2021.

JMO

I really feel badly for JK , but I still have questions as to what motivated Barry's son to fire him unceremoniously from Apotex a year after the crime. I have questions as to why JK relinquished his executor responsibilities without a fight. I have questions as to why JS suspected him of being involved in the murders. Granted, this seems to be all of JS's doing, but I haven't seen the media bring anyone forward to defend JK.

I wish I could confidently say that JK isn't involved, but he hasn't been cleared in my opinion. But he is not at the top of my list.

 

[ldlager]

I really feel badly for JK , but I still have questions as to what motivated Barry's son to fire him unceremoniously from Apotex a year after the crime. I have questions as to why JK relinquished his executor responsibilities without a fight. I have questions as to why JS suspected him of being involved in the murders. Granted, this seems to be all of JS's doing, but I haven't seen the media bring anyone forward to defend JK.

I wish I could confidently say that JK isn't involved, but he hasn't been cleared in my opinion. But he is not at the top of my list.

No motive IMO. Plus they were friends. Plus he was in New York that week. JK is not a suspect IMO.

I believe you have unconsciously ( or maybe not unconsciously) pointed to the person that has been linked to all the disputes, disagreements, and family estrangement. And someone who stood to benefit financially the most from the deaths of both HS and BS.
“Follow the money”
“All roads lead to Rome”
“Methinks he doest protest too much”
MOO

 

[branmuffin]

No motive IMO. Plus they were friends. Plus he was in New York that week. JK is not a suspect IMO.

I believe you have unconsciously ( or maybe not unconsciously) pointed to the person that has been linked to all the disputes, disagreements, and family estrangement. And someone who stood to benefit financially the most from the deaths of both HS and BS.
“Follow the money”
“All roads lead to Rome”
“Methinks he doest protest too much”
MOO

Reminds me of someone else who fires people by tweet.

 

[RHR]

I really feel badly for JK , but I still have questions as to what motivated Barry's son to fire him unceremoniously from Apotex a year after the crime. I have questions as to why JK relinquished his executor responsibilities without a fight. I have questions as to why JS suspected him of being involved in the murders. Granted, this seems to be all of JS's doing, but I haven't seen the media bring anyone forward to defend JK.

I wish I could confidently say that JK isn't involved, but he hasn't been cleared in my opinion. But he is not at the top of my list.

They were very close friends. JK had no reason whatsoever to harm Honey and Barry.

 

[MistyWaters]

I really feel badly for JK , but I still have questions as to what motivated Barry's son to fire him unceremoniously from Apotex a year after the crime. I have questions as to why JK relinquished his executor responsibilities without a fight. I have questions as to why JS suspected him of being involved in the murders. Granted, this seems to be all of JS's doing, but I haven't seen the media bring anyone forward to defend JK.

I wish I could confidently say that JK isn't involved, but he hasn't been cleared in my opinion. But he is not at the top of my list.

JK had already retired as CEO when the Shermans were murdered after a 35 year career. After that he was Vice-chairman of the Board, not a role responsible for overseeing day-to-day activities of the company. To temporarily step back into the active role as CEO for a year especially after Desai suddenly resigned in order to transition Apotex forward toward new leadership isn’t at all unusual in the corporate world. It’s not as if JK was hanging around waiting for a promotion. At his age why would he want to become a permanent CEO again, having already left it after a long career? Instead its an excellent example of a retired executive who is devoted to the company’s best interest, by temporarily stepping forward to ride out tough times suffered by the company due to the sudden death of the owner.

Do you really think he’d have done this for an entire year if he had the slightest doubts about any of the beneficiaries?

Barry and JK were longtime associates and friends. While it may seem as if JK is the outside of the murder investigation, like others who were closest to Barry, I’ve no doubt he’s been very helpful in providing information to LE. Once again, it’s only been by anonymous allegations there was friction between JK and the family. That JK was “booted” seems a totally ridiculous story, considering all.

Do we know if the estate’s been settled? It would seem to be it has been. If it has then each of the executor’s duties are concluded. It’s not like a permanent job.

JMO

 

[RHR]

JK had already retired as CEO when the Shermans were murdered after a 35 year career. After that he was Vice-chairman of the Board, not a role responsible for overseeing day-to-day activities of the company. To temporarily step back into the active role as CEO for a year especially after Desai suddenly resigned in order to transition Apotex forward toward new leadership isn’t at all unusual in the corporate world. It’s not as if JK was hanging around waiting for a promotion. At his age why would he want to become a permanent CEO again, having already left it after a long career? Instead its an excellent example of a retired executive who is devoted to the company’s best interest, by temporarily stepping forward to ride out tough times suffered by the company due to the sudden death of the owner.

Do you really think he’d have done this for an entire year if he had the slightest doubts about any of the beneficiaries?

Barry and JK were longtime associates and friends. While it may seem as if JK is the outside of the murder investigation, like others who were closest to Barry, I’ve no doubt he’s been very helpful in providing information to LE. Once again, it’s only been by anonymous allegations there was friction between JK and the family. That JK was “booted” seems a totally ridiculous story, considering all.

Do we know if the estate’s been settled? It would seem to be it has been. If it has then each of the executor’s duties are concluded. It’s not like a permanent job.

JMO

I can tell you that there was no friction between Barry and Honey. I am pretty sure the reason JK and wis wife was away in NYC was because B and H gifted the tickets to a show.
The estate as far as i know has not been settled. There is a seal on it. Kevin Donovan is trying to get it unsealed.

 

[RHR]

I can tell you that there was no friction between Barry and Honey. I am pretty sure the reason JK and wis wife was away in NYC was because B and H gifted the tickets to a show.
The estate as far as i know has not been settled. There is a seal on it. Kevin Donovan is trying to get it unsealed.

Sorry i meant to say no friction between Barry and JK.

 

[branmuffin]

Sorry i meant to say no friction between Barry and JK.

Are you an insider with personal knowledge of the Shermans? Because if you are you should get verified by WS so that statements like the one above don't need verification.

 

[MistyWaters]

I can tell you that there was no friction between Barry and Honey. I am pretty sure the reason JK and wis wife was away in NYC was because B and H gifted the tickets to a show.
The estate as far as i know has not been settled. There is a seal on it. Kevin Donovan is trying to get it unsealed.

Whether or not the estate is settled has nothing to do with KDs efforts to have the court files unsealed. Estates with certain assets contained within the Will that require probate (ie land transfers to beneficiaries) must be put forth for approval by the Court before the estate can be distributed. According to the Estates lawyers as per documents filed on the SCC website, there is no dispute over settling the estate between beneficiaries nor is anyone contesting the Wills. So KD is not holding up disbursement of the Estates. Any court documents are considered public records except when they’re sealed or subject to a publication ban so that’s the basis of KDs legal efforts - it appears his interest is mainly to see what’s in the Wills and possibly if there are two and was Barry’s written on a Staples proforma.

JMO

 

[deugirtni]

JK had already retired as CEO when the Shermans were murdered after a 35 year career. After that he was Vice-chairman of the Board, not a role responsible for overseeing day-to-day activities of the company. To temporarily step back into the active role as CEO for a year especially after Desai suddenly resigned in order to transition Apotex forward toward new leadership isn’t at all unusual in the corporate world. It’s not as if JK was hanging around waiting for a promotion. At his age why would he want to become a permanent CEO again, having already left it after a long career? Instead its an excellent example of a retired executive who is devoted to the company’s best interest, by temporarily stepping forward to ride out tough times suffered by the company due to the sudden death of the owner.

Do you really think he’d have done this for an entire year if he had the slightest doubts about any of the beneficiaries?

Barry and JK were longtime associates and friends. While it may seem as if JK is the outside of the murder investigation, like others who were closest to Barry, I’ve no doubt he’s been very helpful in providing information to LE. Once again, it’s only been by anonymous allegations there was friction between JK and the family. That JK was “booted” seems a totally ridiculous story, considering all.

Do we know if the estate’s been settled? It would seem to be it has been. If it has then each of the executor’s duties are concluded. It’s not like a permanent job.

JMO

I had the impression that although BOTH men (BS and JK) had relinquished their day-to-day overseeing status, they were both attending the office everyday to work on other aspects. I recall it being said that had JK not been out of the country attending a concert, he would've noticed BS's absence on the Thursday. JK was asked to take over Desai's role when Desai left (on the same day as TPS announced double homicide), but that didn't mean he wouldn't have still wanted to remain involved in the business/operation in same capacity as he was, prior to that. Also, it was said that HS had parked in JK's parking spot next to her husband's when she attended the meeting with the builders on the Wednesday evening, knowing that JK was out of town at that concert - and that Desai had news to share with B, but since he saw H's vehicle there, he chose not to bother him with it and to instead wait until next day.

I didn't get the impression that the allegations of friction between JK and 'family' were anonymous. My impression is that they came directly from the horses' mouths.

Also, imho, there is no way that estate is anywhere near settled.

"Jack Kay, who would have noticed his friend’s absence, was out of town in New York." (ebook pg 267)

"Kay’s plan, as he had told colleagues at Apotex, was to retire on March 31, 2019. There would likely be a party—not that he liked parties—but he expected there would be some sort of event. It would be bittersweet, of course, but still a recognition of his many years of service. There had been tension between Kay and Jonathon Sherman in the past few months. Kay was balking at how fast the plans for selling Apotex were moving. He wanted to honour Barry Sherman’s legacy and ensure that the employees were protected. At one point, according to Sherman family sources, Jonathon had suggested that Kay was somehow involved in the murders, and tried unsuccessfully to convince his sister Alex that this was the case." (ebook pg 272)