Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode of Morbid explores the December 2017 unsolved murders of billionaire pharmaceutical executive Barry Sherman and his wife Honey, who were found dead by the indoor pool of their Toronto mansion. The hosts detail the bizarre crime scene where the couple was discovered sitting upright with belts around their necks, and examine the various theories, including an initial leaked rumor of murder-suicide that was quickly dismissed by family and evidence. The discussion highlights Barry's complex financial empire, his contentious business dealings, and the ongoing frustration of investigators who, years later, still lack definitive answers despite active speculation.
- The bodies of Barry and Honey Sherman were discovered in December 2017 in the basement pool area of their Toronto home. 13:24
- Initial leaks within the police department suggested a murder-suicide theory, which was vehemently rejected by the victims' family. 30:50
- Autopsies revealed that both victims died from ligature strangulation, though neither of their hyoid bones were broken. 22:13
- Investigators and journalists found that Barry Sherman had accumulated numerous enemies due to his aggressive litigation and pharmaceutical business practices. 34:39
Chapters
- 0:01Podcast Intro and Host Introductions
The episode opens with a brief ad break, followed by the hosts introducing themselves and setting the stage for the discussion.
- 0:45Transition to Mystery Theme
The hosts shift from the ad to a lighthearted mystery segment about Halloween gifts, then segue into the main crime story.
- 1:45Hosts Meet and Set Tone
The hosts formally introduce each other, establish rapport, and hint at a deeper, more serious topic to come.
- 10:04Media and Police Response
The episode covers the press conferences, statements from police and city officials, and the early speculation about murder‑suicide versus homicide.
- 46:36Episode Opening and Shock
The episode opens with a brief, unsettling statement that sets a tense tone.
Highlights
- 13:24
Discovery of the Shermansstory
Cleaners entering the Shermans' Toronto mansion on December 15, 2017, noticed unusual tidiness and an unanswered ringing phone.
- 13:24
Bizarre Crime Sceneinsight
Real estate agents and cleaners discovered Barry and Honey Sherman seated upright near the indoor pool, secured by leather belts around their necks.
- 22:09
Autopsy Findingsdata
Pathologist Dr. Michael Pickup noted that neither victim had a broken hyoid bone, and Barry's wrists showed signs of prior binding.
- 30:50
Murder-Suicide Leakdebate
An anonymous police leak to the Toronto Star suggested the deaths were a murder-suicide, sparking outrage from the family.
- 33:26
Litigious Business Careerinsight
Barry Sherman built Apitex into a pharmaceutical giant through aggressive tactics, leaving behind a long list of legal adversaries.
- 40:18
Barry Sherman's father died of a sudden heart attack when Barry was ten, shaping his future drive for wealth and success.
Quotes
“There was no sign of forced entry and no obvious motive.”
Unnamed speaker · 28:01 “The hyoid bone is pretty fragile, so in cases of violent strangulation or hanging, it's pretty common for it to be broken.”
Unnamed speaker · 36:55 “They were secured tightly to the three foot high railing surrounding the pool. So they were sitting.”
Unnamed speaker · 23:21 “The Shermans had died of ligature strangulation or neck compression.”
Unnamed speaker · 39:18 “Barry's shrewd and often ruthless approach to deal‑making had made him a long list of enemies over the course of his 50‑year, 50‑plus‑year career in the industry.”
Unnamed speaker · 56:02 “The investigation is very active, but they said it was by no means in the final stages.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:04:39 “I believe we have knowledge to solve this case.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:07:41 “Humans spend about two hours dreaming every night, which adds up to five to seven years on, over an average human lifespan.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:11:11
Sponsored segments
- Southern New Hampshire University 0:01–0:20
- Old Spice 0:33–1:05
- Hatch Sleep Clock 25:22–26:20
- Hulu 26:23–26:29
- State Farm 27:04–27:17
- Quince 46:36–48:14
- State Farm 49:12–49:45
- Bob Evans 1:14:10–1:14:36
About this episode
When a realtor entered the Toronto home of Barry and Honey Sherman on December 15, 2017, she expected the couple to be out of town and the house to be empty. The agent showed a young couple around the massive home, room by room, and when they reached the bottom floor, where the pool was located, they found the bodies of the Shermans. It took multiple autopsies and significant advocacy from the family, but eventually the Sherman’s deaths were labeled a homicide. But the question remained, who would have wanted to kill the older couple, and if not for money, why?
Transcript
14,027 words · 4 speakers
Topics
- Toronto
- Canada
- Apitex
- Carrie
- Empire
- North York
- Mount Sinai Hospital
- UK
- Toronto Police Department
- Prime Video
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated