The family of a wealthy Canadian couple found dead in their mansion outside Toronto on Friday insist that Bernard “Barry” Sherman and his wife Honey were both victims of foul play, despite some earlier media reports citing police sources who reportedly said the deaths appeared to be the result of a murder-suicide.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Barry and Honey Sherman were founding hanging side by side by the indoor pool in their mansion. Barry Sherman is among the richest men in Canada, with a net worth of over $3 billion. He founded the drug manufacturer Apotex and remained chairman of the company until his death.

The BBC reports that the Shermans had put their home on the market, and that a real estate agent discovered their bodies.

Toronto law enforcement released a statement on Sunday confirming that the Toronto Police Service Homicide unit had taken over the investigation. Relatives of the couple had previously hit back at media reports suggesting that Barry and Honey died in a murder-suicide.

“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 family said in a media statement. 

“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.”

The Toronto Sun reported on Saturday that investigators did not find any signs of forced entry, nor did they find a suicide note.

This is developing story, and CrimeOnline will provide updates as more information becomes available.