The opulent home on Old Colony Road stood silent, a chilling monument to a mystery that has haunted Toronto for eight years. Billionaires Honey and Barry Sherman were found dead, a scene initially dismissed as a tragic, yet improbable, double suicide. But beneath the surface of that initial assessment lay a darkness that continues to grip investigators and a family desperate for answers.
Despite the unsolved nature of their deaths, the Shermans’ legacy isn’t defined by the horror of that December night. It’s defined by a breathtaking generosity that continues to ripple through the Greater Toronto Area, a testament to a life dedicated to giving back. Their philanthropic spirit, fueled by a fortune estimated at $4.7 billion, lives on through their four children and the countless organizations they supported.
“At the eighth anniversary of the loss of my parents, I continue to miss them every single day,” their son, Jonathon Sherman, recently shared. But amidst the grief, a profound sense of pride emerges. “One thing that provides some comfort is knowing that their legacy of positive change endures in a very powerful way.” It’s a legacy actively nurtured, not simply remembered.
The most recent expression of that legacy materialized in August with the opening of the Honey and Barry Memorial Arena, a state-of-the-art facility on the UJA Federation’s Vaughan Jewish Community Campus. Funded by a $5 million contribution from Jonathon Sherman, and accompanied by a similarly funded park named in their honor, the arena embodies the Shermans’ commitment to community and inclusivity. It’s designed not just to serve, but to sustain itself, generating a financial surplus that will be reinvested back into the community – a reflection of the Shermans’ own ethos.
“This first of its kind, community owned state-of-the-art ice arena is the embodiment of my parents,” Jonathon explained at the opening. “People who at every opportunity led with an inclusive and community driven approach.” He envisions the arena as a lasting touchstone, benefiting generations to come, just as his parents touched so many lives.
The search for justice, however, remains relentless. The family continues to offer a staggering $35 million reward – an initial $10 million bolstered by an additional $25 million from Jonathon – for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the Shermans’ murders. The offer underscores the family’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth.
The scene discovered on December 15, 2017, was deeply disturbing. The Shermans were found positioned with belts around their necks, suspended from a railing beside their swimming pool. Honey’s body bore facial wounds, while Barry’s showed no obvious signs of trauma. A crucial security camera in the pool area had been deliberately disabled, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Initial police theories leaned towards a murder-suicide, a conclusion vehemently rejected by family and friends. The Shermans were described as a devoted couple with ambitious plans for the future, including building a new home and preparing for a holiday trip to Florida. The idea that Barry would harm Honey, or himself, simply didn’t align with the people who knew them.
“I worked with Barry for 35 years. None of it makes any sense to me,” said Jack Kay, a longtime friend and the former CEO of Apotex, the pharmaceutical company Barry Sherman built. “Anybody who knows Barry would know he would never ever, ever commit suicide… or murder. He was a pacifist.” Kay’s words echoed the disbelief felt by those closest to the couple.
At the funeral, Jonathon Sherman directly addressed the speculation surrounding his parents’ deaths. “Before we could begin to grieve… we’ve had to navigate through a terrifying maze of non-information and unfounded speculation,” he said, his voice filled with pain. “But we have been taking comfort in knowing that your hearts have been breaking for us. And for those of you… who are experiencing similar feelings of loss… remember this – our parents never left anyone behind. They were taken from us.”
The family launched their own parallel investigation, hiring a team of experienced former detectives led by Tommy Klatt, a former Toronto Police homicide detective. They also commissioned a second autopsy, seeking an independent assessment of the evidence. Six weeks after the initial investigation, police conceded that the Shermans had been victims of a targeted double murder.
Eight years later, the case remains open, actively investigated by Detective Sergeant Brandon Price and Constable Dennis Yim. While no suspects have been publicly named, police have conducted over 250 interviews and pursued hundreds of investigative leads. The investigation is far from cold.
The Sherman family, particularly daughter Alexandra Sherman Krawczyk, has continued to actively engage with the case, even purchasing the property where the couple’s home once stood, with plans for a potential parkette or memorial. “I’m encouraged, to a small degree, that the case is still active,” she stated, expressing cautious optimism that the truth will eventually emerge.
Investigators have explored numerous avenues, including a man with an unusual gait captured on video near the scene on the night of the murders. They’ve interviewed family members, former business associates, and even a distant cousin, but the puzzle remains incomplete. The question of motive, and the identity of those responsible, continues to elude them.
Jack Kay, a close confidant of Barry Sherman, believed the key lay in following the money, suggesting a financial motive behind the killings. His untimely passing in November, just shy of his 85th birthday, is a loss felt deeply by those who knew him and the Shermans. He dedicated his life, alongside Barry, to making affordable medicine accessible, a mission that underscored their shared values.
The Shermans’ story is a complex tapestry of wealth, philanthropy, and a brutal, unsolved crime. While the mystery of their deaths lingers, their impact on the Greater Toronto Area is undeniable, etched into the landscape through the institutions they supported and the lives they touched. It’s a legacy that continues to grow, a beacon of hope born from tragedy.
Key dates in the investigation:
Dec. 15, 2017: Honey and Barry Sherman found dead.
Dec. 21, 2017: Couple’s funeral attended by thousands.
Jan. 26, 2018: Police declare the case a targeted double slaying.
Dec. 13, 2021: Video of a potential suspect released.
May 17, 2024: $10 million donation made to Humber River Hospital.
Dec. 11, 2025: $35 million reward remains in effect.
