CANADA Canada - Barry, 75, & Honey Sherman, 70, found dead, Toronto, 15 Dec 2017 #17

[Lexiintoronto]

Did JS ever give a plausible explanation for that time stamp which just happened to be the night his parents were killed?

The lastest Star articles now say he was holding a paper with his cryptocurrency codes. Donovan saw the photo.

ETA: I don’t understand how it works, but if he were to send that photo to someone, wouldn’t they be able to access his cyber money?

 

[MistyWaters]

Probably simpler to stage two people in a murder suicide, than the other staging options -- easier to get in, get the job done, and get out than staging a robbery, or unsolved disappearance -- also probably more chances of leaving evidence behind with the other scenarios. I think the M/S staging was requested by whoever hired the assassin(s). Barry had his glasses on, and his legs crossed in a peaceful pose, whereas Honey had marks on her face, and her blood underneath her. The similarity to the statues may have not even occurred to the killer. As has been discussed here already, this would stop the police from carrying out a homicide investigation, and maybe finding the real killers. IMO

But in order to stage a convincing murder scene of any type it must be plausible scenario. No family members, friends or associates believed Barry would murder his wife and take his own life and that’s when thing began to fall apart.

 

[WINDSOR]

Would be interesting to know if LE has pored through passenger lists of all incoming flights on Dec 12th and 13th and departing on Dec 14th, (or possibly even very late on Dec 13th?) from which countries, etc.

I certainly hope they did.

 

[MistyWaters]

IMO to create plausible deniability, and still inherit one billion or so.

Why knowingly stage a death scene that might not lead to an murder investigation and then dispute it to ensure it does? Decidability does not prove uninvolvement, the courts are filled with people who claim to be not guilty.

 

[WINDSOR]

Question for those of you who believe this was a professional hit - What is the purpose of hiring a hit man to murder a couple, insisting it not appear as a murder?

What I mean is what does that accomplish, to have Barry blamed for murdering his wife, then taking his own life? Why would the assassinator not just leave the bodies lying in the place where their lives were taken?

What about the staging appears not to be a murder? I do not believe the staging was to appear as a murder suicide. The staging was to humiliate and dis-respect the victims. The early & erroneous M/S speculation was probably made by somebody who had not seen the murder scene.

 

[WINDSOR]

Much speculation about Big Pharma being involved. IMO not likely.

Businesses know that Corporations continue to exist even without their top executives. The death of Barry could not be expected to lead to the demise of Apotex, and in fact 4 years later Apotex is still a very viable company.
Corporate leaders, get sick, resign, or die from natural or unnatural causes regularly. The Corporate entities go on just fine.

 

[MistyWaters]

What about the staging appears not to be a murder? I do not believe the staging was to appear as a murder suicide. The staging was to humiliate and dis-respect the victims. The early & erroneous M/S speculation was probably made by somebody who had not seen the murder scene.

Good, I’ve also always questioned how the m/s story entered the picture as well and it still seems a bit of a mystery. Storyline goes that’s what TPS believed and then comes KW on a 5th Estate trying to convince the public that Barry really did have this deep, dark side of him and only he is aware of. Then he failed the lie detector test. No wonder he was considered a suspect, looked like he was caught with his fingers in the pie.

This case is shrouded in ambiguity - it’s definitely not black and white. My hope is 2022 will be the year charges are announced.

 

[Window21]

I think they may have a good idea on who was behind these murders. They just don't have all the evidence to make sure they are guilty. Imagine if this goes to court and the person gets off?? Worst nightmare for everyone.

 

[Sphinx]

The lastest Star articles now say he was holding a paper with his cryptocurrency codes. Donovan saw the photo.

ETA: I don’t understand how it works, but if he were to send that photo to someone, wouldn’t they be able to access his cyber money?

Good point. Maybe a similar picture or code was sent, or left somewhere, to pay the killers a limited amount of crypto currency in a separate account, not the one JS showed with his time stamped hand. Hard to transfer a million or more, and not leave a trace, and I doubt that these people would want to meet in person to pick up cash, or even be bothered transporting it. IMO

 

[Tobiano8th]

Toronto Sun (??)'suggests distinctive walk = amputee... That's a long walk for an amputee

On Hiring investigator after potential staging m/s yourself?? One of 4 siblings (and one husband is like another sibling) so doesn't have control of situation AND "look at me trying to find killer"

 

[dotr]

So what if someone closely connected to the Shermans, owed money to, or was committed to investing in some huge project, such as an arena /charity/school etc. - and the monies did not materialize because H or B said no?

Might such a person/organization (who is hypothetically owed or promised something) take the bull by the horns of their own accord, or not- by getting rid of the ''cogs in the wheel''- H&B, in order to free up whatever it is that they are owed or want, $$$/real estate/power?
imo, speculation.

 

[CAMBRIAN]

MistyWaters says: But in order to stage a convincing murder scene of any type it must be plausible scenario. No family members, friends or associates believed Barry would murder his wife and take his own life and that’s when thing began to fall apart.

In my opinion, therein lies the problem: if that is the case, then perhaps no family member, friend or associate knew what the real Barry would do if he had, without premeditation or intent, caused HS's death during a physical altercation between the couple. My opinion only

 

[Window21]

This is a great article that breaks down step by step of what we know all ready. A great read to refresh our memory if need be.

It's been 3 years since Barry and Honey Sherman were found dead. Court documents reveal what we know so far

It's sort of strange that the realtor would phone HS sister and it was the sister that told her to phone the police. She also informed everyone in the house what she found before calling the sister.
Maybe she was in shock? IDK, but the first thing I would do is phone 911, then inform everyone. I have been in a similar situation with coming upon a car crash and also with a sudden death and 911 is immediately my go to.

 

[branmuffin]

I have to disagree. The reason a crime scene is staged is to deceive investigators and displaying the bodies by the pool was done intentionally. The significance of Barry appearing to have murdered his wife can’t be overlooked. IMO the obvious intent was posthumous to cast shame upon him, destroying his reputation. Domestic violence would forever darken his name. In no way can that be compared to one who’s a victim of an assassination.[/QUOTE}]


I don't think it had anything to do with casting blame. If it was a cover up: an attempt to portray a double murder as a murder/suicide it was done to ensure that Barry's primary will was fulfilled. It may not have been palatable for some of the beneficiaries but it was a damn sight better than his instructions to the trustees if he died before Honey.

Primary will:
"In the primary will, Barry directs his trustees to evenly distribute his entire fortune among his four children in the event of Honey Sherman’s death.

But he asks that more than 40 per cent of each child’s share be withheld until they turn 35. They would receive one quarter of their share upon turning 24 and one-third upon turning 30."

Instructions to trustees:

"Sherman also laid out instructions in the event that he died before his wife.

In that case, he asked that trustees hold his entire estate in trust and pay “the net annual income derived therefrom” to Honey Sherman “in quarterly instalments.

He also gives his trustees “absolute and unfettered discretion” to provide Honey Sherman with additional payments from his estate to provide for her “comfortable maintenance and benefit” as they deem fit.

Interestingly, Sherman does not direct that any portion of his estate be donated to charity and instead states that his four children - Lauren, Jonathon, Alexandra and Kaelen - would split it evenly upon Honey’s death."

It would appear from the charity angle that it was Honey who coordinated the charitable donations making the Sherman's one of Canada's premier philanthropist powerhouses. And the instructions to the trustees suggested 'unfettered' access meant she could give away as much money to charity as she wanted to.

Both quotes from this news item:
Slain billionaire Barry Sherman divided estate equally among four children

 

[branmuffin]

Some how my response got included in the primary source quote in the above post.


I don't think it had anything to do with casting blame. If it was a cover up: an attempt to portray a double murder as a murder/suicide it was done to ensure that Barry's primary will was fulfilled. It may not have been palatable for some of the beneficiaries but it was a damn sight better than his instructions to the trustees if he died before Honey.

Primary will:
"In the primary will, Barry directs his trustees to evenly distribute his entire fortune among his four children in the event of Honey Sherman’s death.

But he asks that more than 40 per cent of each child’s share be withheld until they turn 35. They would receive one quarter of their share upon turning 24 and one-third upon turning 30."

Instructions to trustees:

"Sherman also laid out instructions in the event that he died before his wife.

In that case, he asked that trustees hold his entire estate in trust and pay “the net annual income derived therefrom” to Honey Sherman “in quarterly instalments.

He also gives his trustees “absolute and unfettered discretion” to provide Honey Sherman with additional payments from his estate to provide for her “comfortable maintenance and benefit” as they deem fit.

Interestingly, Sherman does not direct that any portion of his estate be donated to charity and instead states that his four children - Lauren, Jonathon, Alexandra and Kaelen - would split it evenly upon Honey’s death."

It would appear from the charity angle that it was Honey who coordinated the charitable donations making the Sherman's one of Canada's premier philanthropist powerhouses. And the instructions to the trustees suggested 'unfettered' access meant she could give away as much money to charity as she wanted to.

Both quotes from this news item:
Slain billionaire Barry Sherman divided estate equally among four children

All speculation and my opinion.

 

[MistyWaters]

MistyWaters says: But in order to stage a convincing murder scene of any type it must be plausible scenario. No family members, friends or associates believed Barry would murder his wife and take his own life and that’s when thing began to fall apart.

In my opinion, therein lies the problem: if that is the case, then perhaps no family member, friend or associate knew what the real Barry would do if he had, without premeditation or intent, caused HS's death during a physical altercation between the couple. My opinion only

As we’re led to believe medical evidence further proved a M/S did not occur, therefore it seems family members, friend and associates were right all along.

 

[MistyWaters]

This is a great article that breaks down step by step of what we know all ready. A great read to refresh our memory if need be.

It's been 3 years since Barry and Honey Sherman were found dead. Court documents reveal what we know so far

It's sort of strange that the realtor would phone HS sister and it was the sister that told her to phone the police. She also informed everyone in the house what she found before calling the sister.
Maybe she was in shock? IDK, but the first thing I would do is phone 911, then inform everyone. I have been in a similar situation with coming upon a car crash and also with a sudden death and 911 is immediately my go to.

It must’ve been more than obvious the Shermans couldn’t be resuscitated/saved, unlike coming upon a car crash that occurred moments before. In a case such as that, advising family members before calling 911 is a thoughtful gesture. As happened, I think the news leaked out on twitter before everyone close to them were notified of their deaths.

There’s been discussion here before - is calling 911 over dead bodies even the right thing to do, considering the role of paramedics is to perform life-saving emergency measures?

 

[JayFriend]

Barry and Honey Sherman may have been under ‘surveillance’ a month before their murders, homicide detectives believe

 

[TGIRecovered]

Barry and Honey Sherman may have been under ‘surveillance’ a month before their murders, homicide detectives believe

Sounds interesting but it's behind a paywall. Perhaps you could summarize it for us?

 

[Window21]

I'm gonna try to summarize. Basically the police had 35 people of interest and they asked the Judge to allow then to track their cell phone transmissions and the judge denied their request.
"A Toronto judge was repeatedly denying their request to track by cellular telephone transmission the whereabouts, at the time of the murders, of 35 individuals who were “persons of interest.”

Then they interviewed someone who came with "new info" that led them to believe they were being watched. So they asked the judge again to allow them to trace data.

"By mid-2018, detectives already had the tracking data emitted by Barry’s BlackBerry and Honey’s iPhone. Now, by December 2018, they were still seeking permission to obtain the tracking data from as many as 35 other cellphones. Due, it appears, to the new information, police wanted to “parallel the tracking data from Bernard’s or Honey’s cellular phone records,” police state. “If they do parallel this could indicate that Bernard and/or Honey were followed or were under surveillance,” police wrote in their application to the court."

"Justice Pringle heard three different applications from Yim between June and December 2018. He provided the numbers and the cellphone providers. There was some concern with losing data if the requests were not approved. While Bell and Rogers keep all data for at least a year, Telus deletes texting data after 150 days (but keeps other data for longer). Rogers, the documents show, keeps its data for 13 months and in Yim’s December application, 12 months after the murders, Yim said he feared the data “could be lost forever.” Bell keeps all of its data for three years.

Three times from June to November, Pringle was asked to approve applications for phone tracking data for these phones (cellphones “ping” off a tower and give highly accurate latitude and longitude co-ordinates of where they are located) going back in most cases one month before the murders, but in some cases several months. Each time she allowed a few, but denied most."

Then at the end of the article it states that 2 more texts came in that the police take note of:
"There are two more text communications police list, but given how wide the news of the Sherman death spread and how quickly, it is possible that the time codes in the police documents are incorrect, or that the text messages came in long after they were sent.

At 4:34 p.m. on the Friday (several hours after Sherman children Jonathon and Alexandra have told the Star they notified their sister Lauren in Mexico,” Barry’s phone records a text message from Lauren. “Hi dad, My car was broken into and I’m not sure how to deal with it from here. Can you help me wrap my mind around what to do?” While not outlined in the unredacted part of the document, Lauren was in Mexico and may have had an issue with her car in Whistler, B.C. where she lives.

The final communication police note on the phone comes at 8:27 p.m. on the Friday (long after the bodies were discovered) from Mark Winter, a distant relative of Barry’s on his mother Sarah’s side. “Barry it’s Mark Winter. Are you and your family okay, I just saw on the news something scary.” Mark is also related to Kerry Winter, Barry’s cousin, who had unsuccessfully sued Barry for part ownership of Apotex."

This is a long article, best I could do. Hope it helps..