Murder cops probe deaths of Canadian billionaire couple Bobby and Honey Sherman found hanging side-by-side as family insist it wasn’t suicide
Cops in Toronto opened up a murder investigation just one day after their children insisted the deaths were NOT suicide
CANADIAN cops have confirmed that a murder unit has taken over the investigation into the deaths of a billionaire couple who were strangled to death.
An autopsy report confirmed the pair died of "ligature neck compression or strangulation with material."
The pair's horrified estate agent found them hanging by the swimming pool after turning up for a meeting about selling the property.
Cops initially said the deaths were being treated as suspicious but claimed no suspects were being sought.
But the wealthy couple's four children hit out at Toronto police for suggesting the deaths were part of a murder-suicide.
A family statement read: "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.
"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."
Linda Frum, a member of the Canadian Senate, said she was "gutted by the loss" of the couple, two weeks after presenting a Senate medal "to one of the kindest and most beloved members of Canada's Jewish community".
"We've been informed of the tragic news that Barry and Honey Sherman have unexpectedly passed away," said the Twitter account of Apotex, which Sherman founded in 1974.
The company, which made its name producing generic drugs, grew to employ more than 11,000 people worldwide.
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They were "remarkable people," said Bob Rae, former premier of Ontario province which includes Toronto.
"Grappling with this terrible news," he wrote on Twitter.
Canadian media said the Shermans had recently put their home up for sale with a price of around Can$7 million (£3 million).
Forbes lists Sherman as one of the country's richest men, with a net worth of $3 billion.
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