Candian Pharma Billionaire Homicide

Candian Pharma Billionaire Homicide

Canadian Pharma Billionaire and Wife Murders Unsolved

Family Hires Team of Private Investigators

“Big Pharma Tycoon” Dr. Barry Sherman, Ph.D., 75, and his wife Honey, 70, were found dead in their Toronto, Canada home on December 15, 2017.

Media initially reported their deaths as a “murder-suicide,” but Sherman’s children all emphatically disagree with the initial police assessment.

Dr. Barry Sherman and his wife Honey

Apotex Pharmaceutical Holdings, Inc. is Canada’s largest maker of generic drugs, earning the Shermans a fortune estimated at $4.7 billion, placing Barry Sherman as the 12th wealthiest person in Canada, according to Forbes Magazine.

Apotex was founded by Sherman in 1974 and grew from a two-person operation to employing over 11,000 people.  The company sells approximately 300 generic drugs within 120 countries.

Dr. Sherman had a Ph.D. in astrophysics from MIT and had formerly been the Chairman of former Cangene Corp., a Canadian biotechnology firm specializing in hyper immunes, contract manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, and biodefense.  It has been reported the company had several bioterrorism contracts with the United States before the company sold in 2014.

Honey Sherman had been active in service to the community and had been awarded a “Community Service Award” from Canadian senator Linda Frum.

“I am gutted by the loss of Honey and Barry Sherman. Our community is steeped in grief. I am heartbroken,” Frum posted on Twitter.

Sherman 12,440 square foot mansion in North York, Toronto

Described as “incredible philanthropists” and beloved members of Canada’s Jewish community, their deaths have shocked their neighborhood of North York, along with medical and political circles throughout the world.

Sherman’s Children Issue Press Release

Sherman’s four children say a murder-suicide made absolutely no sense and proceeded to issue a statement.

“Our parents shared an enthusiasm for life and commitment to their family and community. This is totally inconsistent with the rumors regrettably circulating in the media as to the circumstances surrounding their deaths,” the statement read.

“We are shocked and think it 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 Sherman children said in the statement. “We urge the Toronto Police Service to conduct a thorough, intensive, and objective criminal investigation, and urge the media to refrain from further reporting as to the cause of these tragic deaths until the investigation is completed.”

Body being removed from Sherman’s Toronto home

The full story of what happened is not known but according to sources in various reports, the last time the couple was heard from was the evening of December 13th. They both arrived at their Old Colony neighborhood residence in two cars Wednesday evening after meeting with an architect for a home they were planning to build in Forest Hill, about a 20-mile drive south.

Barry, a self-admitted “workaholic”, didn’t show up at his office the following day but this didn’t cause immediate concern. The couple were found deceased in the downstairs indoor pool area of their home tied to a sturdy railing with two men’s leather belts, each around their necks. It is said they still had their winter coats and boots on.

A murder-suicide just didn’t correspond with their activities or mindset prior to their deaths. They were building a new home and celebrating the birth of a new grandchild. They were planning a wedding and booked airline tickets to fly to Florida for the holidays. Barry was about to become a member of the Order of Canada, an honor he valued.

Family Hires Criminal Lawyer and Private Investigators

According to Business Insider, “The mysterious death of billionaire Barry Sherman remains unexplained – and the family’s lawyer has criticized the police investigation,” the Sherman children immediately hired a criminal attorney.

Powerful criminal attorney, Brian Greenspan, has disapproved of the police handling of the investigation, demanding a second autopsy. The autopsy was conducted by a forensic pathologist on December 20, 2017, producing shocking results.

The forensic pathologist and former Toronto homicide detective found markings on the victim’s wrists consistent with being tied with a cord or plastic zip ties. However, when the bodies were found their wrists were not tied and no cords or rope were found at the scene.

The forensic pathologist also conducted a toxicology report, concluding no signs of drug use.

The Shermans were buried on December 21, 2017.

Greenspan has hired a private investigation team, including former homicide detectives, to ensure “no stone is left unturned” and work alongside police.

The team has concluded the couple had been strangled to death with two men’s leather belts around their necks and attached to the sturdy bar.

Police Theory Debunked

The Sherman’s real estate agent discovered the deceased couple in the basement of their $5.4 million home.

In a Business Insider article, “Mystery still shrouds the death of Barry Sherman, the Canadian billionaire found strangled in the basement of his $5.4 million mansion,” reports police have now marked the deaths as “suspicious” and a homicide – but not murder.

A Toronto Sun cited “sources close to the case” believe Honey may have been killed in another location of the house, then moved to the lower level of the home where their bodies were found.

Thomas Lauth, CEO of Lauth Investigations International, has 20 years of experience working alongside police agencies and prosecutors on unsolved murder cases. “In any homicide case, one must look at the circumstances from every viewpoint, even what may seem inconceivable,” Lauth said.  “In addition to a thorough forensic examination of the crime scene, it becomes crucial to be able to analyze a crime scene for the unseen, and for anything that may create an “at risk” circumstance where someone is at higher risk to become a victim of crime be it their personal lives, business acquaintances, political activities, wealth, or all of the above.”

Political Lobbying

August 6, 2015, Barry and Honey hosted a private $1,500 per-head fundraiser for the Liberal Party at his home. The lavish event was attended by “movers and shakers” and dignitary Justin Trudeau, who became the Canadian prime minister two months later.

Reported in New Canadian Media “JDL protesters greet Trudeau at private fundraiser,” about 30 protesters organized by the Jewish Defense League of Canada, gathered outside the Sherman home to voice their displeasure of the reception given to the Liberal leader despite the Liberal party endorsing the nuclear deal with Iran.

“It is unprecedented to protest at the home of a Jewish leader,” acknowledged Meir Weinstein. If the Liberal party hadn’t backed an agreement deemed by the government of Israel to be dangerous, “we wouldn’t be here.” As Trudeau pulled up in his black van, protesters shouted, No Iran deal!” and the protest seemed to frighten attendees and community residents.

Justin Trudeau, Canada Prime Minister, friend of Barry Sherman

The Defense League was criticized for their protest and Weinstein eventually apologized for a “personal inconvenience” in a civil phone call to Sherman; however, the damage had been done.

A government watchdog group, Democracy Watch, filed a complaint against Sherman and Apotex, and in January 2017, an investigation was initiated by Canada’s Federal Lobby Commissioner to see if the fundraiser had violated government rules stating, “a lobbyist cannot lobby officials they assisted in getting elected.”

Sherman sued the Lobby Commissioner to shut down the investigation and called the investigation an “unanchored fishing expedition pursued in bad faith.”

Despite Sherman’s death the lobbying commission, Karen Shepherd, confirmed the investigation would proceed.

Could the Sherman’s be victims of a professional hit?

The Toronto Sun newspaper asks that question in “WARMINGTON: More questions about deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman.”

From all accounts, the couple was adored by family, friends and the community. Their relationship was solid and their life together peaceful and loving; however, everything needs to be considered when a murder occurs.

Barry had been sued by his cousins, the children of Lois Winter, who had helped him build his “pharma empire” in the early days. Kerry, Paul, Dana and Jeffrey Winter are four brothers who made allegations Sherman owed them 20 percent stake in Apotex based on sign contracts and verbal agreements signed when Sherman acquired their father’s company, Empire Companies, during the 1960s.

The case dragged on for nearly a decade, but a judge dismissed the claim against Sherman, in the months preceding their deaths.

The Sun article poses several questions that are certainly not out of the realm of possibility when one is worth over $4 billion and your professional life deals with the “cut-throat” business of pharmaceutical sales and even bioterrorism contracts.

As a pharmaceutical company, Sherman made his wealth by reverse engineering patented drugs from established drug companies. Sherman was also known as a “bulldog” who was not intimidated by others.

Motives? Maybe.

Former Toronto Police homicide detective, Tom Klatt of Klatt Investigations, has been brought on board to work in tandem with police and ensure “all out-of-the-box possibilities are looked at.” Klatt is a police veteran with more than 70 homicide investigations under his belt. Described as a consummate professional, very smart and a straight shooter.

Attorney Greenspan felt it necessary to hire a team of distinguished law enforcement officers to address the family’s concerns that no murder-suicide occurred as originally reported in the press.

The examination of Sherman’s death has now risen to the largest homicide investigations in Toronto history.

“Sometimes, it is necessary for a family to advocate for their loved ones,” Thomas Lauth says, reflecting upon his own experience working with police and prosecutors. “Hiring a team of investigators ensures everything that can be done is being done. It is necessary in the pursuit of justice.”

Jonathon Sherman cries as he speaks during a memorial service for his parents, Barry and Honey Sherman, as his sisters look on Thursday, December 21, 2017 (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)

At the Sherman home, sewers have been swept for possible evidence, vehicles were removed and surveillance within the home and neighborhood has been secured. Again, sources have said a second crime scene within the home has been carefully analyzed.

Speaking at the funeral, Jonathan Sherman says of his parents, “Our parents never left anyone behind.”

Still so many questions remain but one thing for sure is the couple died of ligature neck compressions. They were found sitting with legs out straight and sources describe them both wearing jackets that were around their arms and pulled down behind their backs.

“A private investigator is a second set of eyes and ears in a murder investigation and we must remain cognizant that whoever murdered Barry and Honey Sherman, remains on the street and a danger to others, not to mention the importance of justice for the family,” said Lauth. “I am convinced if anything was missed in the initial police search, Klatt with his investigative skills, will find it.”

Written by Kym L. Pasqualini

 

Murder of Natalie Bollinger

Murder of Natalie Bollinger

Murder of Natalie Bollinger, Leaves Clues on Facebook

Natalie Bollinger

Natalie Marie Bollinger, 19, was reported missing on Thursday, December 28, 2017. She had last been seen leaving her Broomfield, Colorado residence and reported missing when her family had not heard from her later in the day.

On Friday, December 29, 2017, a body was discovered in a wooded area located at 11600 Riverdale Road on the property of McIntosh Dairy farm in Adams County. By Tuesday, January 2, 2018, authorities identified the body as Bollinger. Cause of death has not been released due to the ongoing investigation.

About two weeks prior to Bollinger’s death, she had made several posts on Facebook about a man who had been harassing her and identified him as Shawn Schwartz.

On her Facebook status, she indicated she had met Schwartz about two years ago, gave him rides and went on to explain recent events.

He drove across the country to see me . . slept behind my work for weeks. When I told him, I didn’t want to see him anymore, he sent me hundreds of texts and calls. He parked his car in front of my house, blocking Military Highway for hours . . . laying on his horn. . he was arrested”, she wrote. Since then, I’ve asked him to leave me alone . . and he won’t.”

Bollinger goes on to explain Schwartz was harassing family and friends and slandering her on FB, asking others to ignore him.

Please ignore him . . . it only encourages him when he gets a response (Much like a child). He is mentally ill, and I am trying to fix this,” wrote Bollinger.

On December 22, 2017, Bollinger was granted a “restraining order” against Schwartz and posted she finally felt safe. A haunting reminder that, in fact, she was not.

Ramblings of a disturbed individual

According to his Facebook profile, Schwartz attended Chappell High School in Chappell, Nebraska. He also boasts he is “blacksmith” and makes his own hammers, anvils, mallets, and axes. Not much is known about his past.

However, Schwartz has had his own very active presence on Facebook and YouTube. Considering Bollinger’s murder, many now find his ramblings and videos deeply disturbing.

During the time Bollinger was missing, Schwartz posted on Facebook, asking people to help search for his friend (Bollinger).

According to a 9News report, in September, Schwartz posted a status saying, “Natalie, I wanted only the best for you. Now all I want is for you to go through the hell I have lived. I want to blow my head off in front of you so close you can feel the warm spatter of my blood on your face.”

According to Bollinger’s posts on Facebook, she indicates Schwartz used multiple alias Facebook accounts to harass her.

The information he posted there is not only disturbing, it may be downright “telling.”

 

Schwartz called a ‘person of interest’ in Natalie Bollinger Murder

In a press conference, Adams County Sheriff Mike McIntosh said, “There is a 26-hour time period that is missing where we don’t have anyone talking to her through social media or by text, or in person or on the telephone. That’s a critical time we are looking at.”

McIntosh said detectives have followed leads gathered from social media but cautioned social media can also lead to false conclusions. Clearly, police have proceeded carefully.

Without mentioning Schwartz by name, when asked by reporters about the man who Bollinger had obtained a restraining order, McIntosh only said, “We have talked to him, but we are not ready to call anyone a suspect, but it’s certainly a part of our investigation.

Schwartz had initially been questioned by authorities when Bollinger was still missing, and one post might have quickly drawn authority’s attention.  According to Bollinger’s own Facebook posts, Schwartz used aliases. Posting as a possible alias of “Joanna Taylor,” it is believed Schwartz is posting about himself, referring to what a nice man he is, saying Bollinger may be dead but people need to stop blaming him.

Schwartz also confirmed he was questioned by authorities, posting on his Facebook page, Schwartz talked about his time with investigators. He said he provided them his cell phone, computer, and a DNA sample, and ultimately he was let go. He did not specify if it was the Bollinger Police or Adams County sheriff authorities that questioned him.

However, McIntosh said, “We have talked to him again, and again, we are not ready to call anybody a suspect, but it’s certainly a piece of our investigation, a piece of our timeline.”

Schwartz made a public Facebook post called, “Why I am a person of interest and not a suspect.”

The fact is, until authorities say otherwise, as compelling as his statements and behavior has been, Schwartz remains only a “person of interest” and not named an official suspect.

Schwartz arrested on unrelated charges

As the Bollinger death investigation continues, Schwartz was booked into Boulder County jail on Saturday, January 6, 2018, on unrelated charges.

According to jail records, Schwartz was charged with second-degree assault, obstructing a police officer and resisting arrest when police were conducting a welfare check.

According to an arrest affidavit, Broomfield police were monitoring Schwartz’s Facebook page and observed some potentially suicidal references. Boulder police found Schwartz at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1419 Pine Street, in Boulder.

According to officers, Schwartz told them he missed “his friend” Bollinger and wanted to talk to her but could not because she was dead.

Police convinced Schwartz to accompany them to Boulder Community Healths Foothills Hospital, but once there he began screaming at staff, trying to leave the room and not listening to staff instructions.

At that point, Schwartz began kicking and biting officers who then arrested him and transported him to the jail where he was later released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

While Schwartz remains a compelling “person of interest” in the murder of Bollinger, he remains just that, a lead.

Family just wants justice for Natalie

While Bollinger was still missing, like other families of missing persons, the family used Facebook to search for her, distributing photographs and information. In addition, Natalie’s mother confronted Schwartz in a post that was followed by a disrespectful and deeply disturbing response.

To add insult to injury, on January 15, 2018, Schwartz made a post on Facebook stating, “How can you, her family, who she should have been able to trust, have failed her so badly? She did what you wanted. Give her back.”

Natalie’s family is not only dealing with the trauma of losing their daughter to homicide, they are victims of an ongoing online assault by someone who threatened their daughter’s life. A person she feared.

Now dealing with a parent’s worst nightmare, understandably the family is quiet. However, they did release a statement through Adams County sheriff McIntosh.

“Our family has been deeply devastated by this loss and cannot fully express how much we miss our beautiful Natalie,” wrote Ted Bollinger, Natalie’s father. “Our hearts are absolutely broken.”