Suspicion: Murder on Mount Olive
Suspicion is an investigative true crime podcast from the Toronto Star. The upcoming season, 'The Most Wanted Olympian,' follows the story of former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, who allegedly became a drug lord. Host Michelle Shephard and journalist Calvi Leon trace his descent into a violent criminal underworld, from his small-town beginnings to his alleged ties with the Sinaloa Cartel. The series features on-the-ground reporting and original interviews as it investigates the man the FBI called a 'modern day El Chapo' and asks what it will take to bring him to justice.
Episodes
Was justice served? Kevin Donovan on the Mount Olive verdict — and the case that isn't over yet
The faint hope hearing in the Mount Olive murder case has concluded, but for Toronto Star chief investigative reporter Kevin Donovan, the outcome raises questions that go beyond one courtroom. In part two, we dig into the Crown's cross-examination, the weight of the victim impact statements, and why the fight for Christopher Sheriffe is far from finished.
A major update in the Mount Olive case is forcing a closer look at everything we thought we knew
For years, the legal fate of Awet Asfaha and his co-accused Christopher Sheriffe seemed sealed — appeals exhausted, the book closed. But Toronto Star chief investigative reporter Kevin Donovan reveals something that happened in a Toronto courtroom recently that has cracked the case wide open again.
It could happen to you
Kevin Donovan's conversation with Canada's Dean of lawyers who advocates for the wrongfully convicted. James Lockyer talks about the new federal plan that could one day free Chris Sheriffe.
Smokescreen
There can be problems when using confidential informants and hearsay evidence, especially when a man's freedom is at stake. Lawyer Dean Embry's conversation with Kevin Donovan provides a back story for our Murder on Mount Olive investigation.
Colour Blinded
In this bonus episode, we hear a top cop's story of being Black and on the job in one of Canada's biggest police forces. Listen to Keith Merith's conversation with Kevin Donovan, providing a back story for our Murder on Mount Olive investigation.
Choices
It's now been 13 years. Chris reflects on decisions he made. The friends he had. Staying out that hot night in August instead of going home. And on what he would do if he is ever released. In the final episode of the series, we offer him a potential lifeline. Tell us what really happened between you and Awet, what he said, what he was planning to do that day. Surely this was a drug deal gone wrong
Trial and Error
A trial scheduled for one month becomes two. The Judge is not pleased. It's now down to 12 jurors to determine Chris and Awet's fate – but the lone Black juror gets sick so now it's 11. Among the evidence the jury hears: false DNA evidence that's not corrected; a transcription of Chris's own words that is incorrect and not corrected; and the recollections of two police officers whose notes are str
The Third Man Theory Rocks Trial
The day of the murder from all sides. Chris, Awet Asfaha, two young women — each give a different perspective on the events leading up to Kim Golaub's brutal murder. What they did. What was said. You've heard Chris's story before, but now at trial Awet comes out with a stunning story. There was someone else that day. A mysterious third man who was the killer. And Chris was the getaway driver, with
Two Down, One To Go
Chris is out on bail leading up to the trial. Toronto Police show up at his house one night. They end up assaulting his father, arresting his brother, and not long after Chris's bail is revoked when a new charge is laid against him. Marjorie, Chris's mom, overhears police officers give an ominous warning about the men in her family and she goes into high gear – she's in the fight of her life again
Why did Kevin Donovan investigate this case?
Kevin Donovan talks about why he decided to look at Chris Sheriffe's case. Hear from him, and catch up on the series so far, while getting a glimpse of the weeks ahead. Subscribers get access to episodes one week early.
Bodies To His Name
Bombshell. On the eve of the murder trial, a young Toronto police officer emerges with two confidential sources, one of them purporting to be a gang member, who tell a very different story about Chris Sheriffe. It throws Chris's defence team for a loop. And here's the problem. The judge won't let the lawyers attack this new information. Audio: NBC's Law and Order, CTV, Toronto Police Video
The Story So Far...
This Friday, April 4, the second half of Murder on Mount Olive's season starts with episode 6, Bodies To His Name, as well as episode 7, one week early for subscribers. If you haven't heard the first five episodes to date, get caught up with the stories and main players so far, with this short trailer. Or listen to the first half of the season in your feed.
Playing For Your Country
Who is Chris Sheriffe? Elite soccer player. Aspiring carpenter. Good family. We hear from the people who knew him best, mother, sister, coach. We also learn about his experience growing up as a young Black teen in Toronto – the frequent police stops and his complaint about the most egregious one. He's in his Catholic school uniform, heading home from class at the end of the day and cops are tailin
Where's The Gun?
The forensics. How three bullets killed a man. The gun shot residue. Where it landed and where it didn't land gives homicide detectives some help, but not much. It turns out the case against Chris Sheriffe and Awet Asfaha is weak. Plus, the police screwed up the evidence collection. Things come to a head at the preliminary hearing, where a judge must decide if the charge of first degree murder – a
Gladiator School
Twelve years into his life sentence for murder, Chris Sheriffe is a model prisoner. He's doing all the courses available behind bars, plus weekly meetings of the prison public speaking club. He does conflict resolution, helping guards and prisoners get along. Which is intriguing, given that Toronto Police labelled him a hard knuckled killer. Also, he calls his Mom several times a day. In an interv
Video: Kevin Donovan talks with Chris Sheriffe behind bars
Watch or listen to this bonus video footage, where Kevin Donovan sits down with Chris Sheriffe in prison at Collins Bay. Listen to episode 3 of Murder on Mount Olive, Gladiator School, for more from this interview.
The Hunt
Homicide detectives get lucky. The best witness possible, and he's talking, and he's got a partial licence plate from a car that left the scene right after Kim Golaub was shot dead. But homicide cops are struggling for a motive. Did someone have a grudge against the victim? Was he in the wrong place at the wrong time? Just a few hours after the murder homicide detectives have two young men in sepa
The Crime
On a hot, sunny day in August a man is shot three times. It happens outside a barbecue. Witnesses give different descriptions of the shooter; police flood the area looking for clues. What happens that day will end up putting a young soccer player turned carpenter behind bars for life for a crime he says he didn't commit. This is the story of Christopher Sheriffe and his fight for justice. Audio: C
A second sneak peak: Suspicion Season 4, Murder on Mount Olive
Coming Friday, March 7, episodes 1, 2 and 3 (for subscribers) will be available for Suspicion Season 4, Murder on Mount Olive. Toronto Star Chief Investigative Reporter Kevin Donovan, who brought you the Billionaire Murders, investigates a crime the courts closed the book on in 2012. On a sunny day in August, 2009, a man is shot three times at a barbecue. What happens that day will put a budding y
Suspicion returns March 7 with Season 4, Murder on Mount Olive
Toronto Star Chief Investigative Reporter Kevin Donovan, who brought you the Billionaire Murders, is back with Murder on Mount Olive, an investigation of a crime the courts closed the book on in 2012. On a sunny day in August, 2009, a man is shot three times at a barbecue. What happens that day will put a budding young soccer star turned carpenter behind bars for life for a crime he says he didn't
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E12 Domestic Troubles and More
In episode 12 of "The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman" Kevin Donovan is joined by producer Raju Mudhar, as the two examine where the case is now and where it might go. But before that, voice actors read emails exchanges that took place between Barry, Honey and others that could show signs of a contentious household. The Billionaire Murders podcast is pr
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E11 Gift Bags and Blood Stains Part 2
In episode eleven of "The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman" Kevin Donovan uses what he knows about the killings to develop his theory of what the killers were after. Nothing was taken, not money, jewelry, and none of Barry's electronic devices. The plan was to kill both Honey and Barry and stage their bodies. The Billionaire Murders podcast is probing the st
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E10 Gift Bags and Blood Stains Part 1
In episode ten of "The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman" Kevin Donovan examines crime scene photos, including the injuries to Honey's face, and the interior of the Sherman home to help us understand what happened in the last hour of Barry and Honey Sherman's lives. He also looks again at the police mistakes that led them down the murder-suicide path. The Bi
S3 40 Years Cold | E4 The Impact
With court decisions in place, do Tice and Gilmour's families ever find closure? The complicated conclusion of how grief and relief live side by side for everyone involved. The following episode discusses sexual assault and murder. If you're impacted by any of our themes, you can reach out to the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres at casac.ca to help you find a centre close to where yo
S3 40 Years Cold | E3 The Killer
Who is Joseph George Sutherland? What would lead him to such depraved acts? In Moosonee, Ontario, we learn of the horrific circumstances that shaped the man and how a close friend was shocked to learn the details of his secret criminal past. This episode comes with a content warning. In it, we discuss violence, sexual assault and murder. We also discuss the physical, mental, sexual and emotional a
S3 40 Years Cold | E2 The Science
A scientific breakthrough helped catch a notorious American serial killer. Could that same technology be used to catch Susan Tice and Erin Gilmour's killer? It helps but the Toronto Police are looking for a needle in a haystack. As they get closer, a shocking turn of events upends their plan. The following episode discusses sexual assault and murder. If you're impacted by any of our themes, you ca
S3 40 Years Cold | E1 The Victims
Susan Tice and Erin Gilmour were living separate lives. One, a newly divorced mom of four; the other, in her early 20s with a love of fashion and her life ahead of her. Then something horrific and fatal happened to both of them, something odd to unite them in their death. With no firm leads, the families were left to grieve in utter confusion. The cases went cold, for four decades. This episode di
Introducing Suspicion Season 3, 40 Years Cold
On Monday, June 17, the Toronto Star's crime podcast Suspicion launches Season 3, "40 Years Cold." In 1983, two women – Susan Tice and Erin Gilmour – were killed in their Toronto homes. Despite their efforts, police couldn't trace any leads and the cases went cold. Then, nearly four decades later, science changed the way police close in on a killer. In this season of Suspicion, Toronto Star crime
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E9 Succession
The four children of slain billionaires Honey and Barry Sherman squabble over their new-found riches, but only two really want power. Hanging over all of this is the possibility that Honey had a will. This is the final episode of "The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman," a "Suspicion" podcast probing the strange case of the famous Toronto couple who were found
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E8 Perfect Storm
Honey and Barry Sherman had nothing on their calendar, friends were away and Barry's life was a who's who of suspects. He also owed a lot of money. If there ever was a perfect time to commit a horrendous murder and get away with it, this was it. This is episode eight of "The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman," a "Suspicion" podcast probing the strange case of
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E7 Pointing Fingers
A long, winding road takes reporter Kevin Donovan to a most unusual meeting in a cold garage with Honey and Barry Sherman's only son, the man who calls himself the "heir apparent" and whose sister suspects he was involved in the murders. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jonathon says he is an open book. Ask me anything, he says, which Donovan does. Jonathon is voiced by an actor based on his interv
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E6 Family Matters
All the money in the world can't buy happiness and the home of Honey and Barry Sherman tells that story. Honey was tough on the kids. Barry was a soft touch. Riches were doled out unevenly and there was division over each other's lives. Then there were the four cousins who went after Barry in the courts. This is episode six of "The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Bar
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E5 Wrong Turns
When the lead Toronto homicide detective avoids the crime scene and juniors can't walk across the road to collect key surveillance video, that's a sign of a poor investigation. And that was just day one after Honey and Barry Sherman were found dead. Join veteran investigative reporter Kevin Donovan as he details the mistakes that turned this case cold. This is episode five of "The Billionaire
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E4 King and Queen
Barry Sherman the Generous, the Brilliant, the Tough Negotiator. Honey Sherman the Ferocious, the Brave, the Fundraiser. It was love at first sight in the '70s and together they raised a family and built a business. Honey's roots were in the Holocaust and Barry's in a family where the men died young. Audio: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Sherman Funeral
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E3 The Day They Died
We follow the footsteps of Honey and Barry Sherman and the mysterious "Walking Man" as they converge on Old Colony Rd., in what became a horrible, murderous evening. But the day started with smiles and workouts. Hannukah had just begun. Honey had presents to buy for grandchildren and Barry had drug battles to fight. Audio Sources: Toronto Police Press Conferences, Sherman private investigation pre
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E2 The Bodies
After Honey and Barry Sherman are found hanging, police sources say it is a murder-suicide and cause outrage among Sherman friends who believe otherwise. Veteran investigative reporter Kevin Donovan cold calls sources and gets a promising lead. This is episode two of "The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman," a "Suspicion" podcast probing the strange case o
S2 The Billionaire Murders | E1 The Man on the Inside
Where are Honey and Barry Sherman? It's a typical day for these eccentric billionaires but they're not answering the phone. After a gruesome discovery, the Sherman children decide to tear down the mansion where they grew up. Before wreckers arrive, a mysterious intruder discovers signs of an investigation gone wrong. This is episode one of "The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of
Introducing Suspicion Season 2, The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman
Launching Feb. 10, Season 2 of "Suspicion" brings "The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman," a podcast probing the strange case of the famous Toronto couple who were found strangled in their north Toronto home in 2017. Barry Sherman was the multibillionaire founder of Canadian pharmaceutical company Apotex and a well-known philanthropist. Honey was a tireless f
Update: New name and new season coming soon
Thank you so much for listening to Death in a Small Town. With the trial beginning this fall, we'll continue to update you as news comes in. Meantime, we want to bring you more true crime investigations. So we're renaming this podcast Suspicion, to make room for a brand new investigation that's coming soon. Like Death in a Small Town, this podcast has been years in the making. So please stay tuned
S1 Death in a Small Town | E7 Graduation Day
As the McLellans prepare to celebrate son Luke's graduation, the Ontario Provincial Police make an arrest in Nathaniel's case. It's been six years. Why are child death investigations this hard and how can they be done better? Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London
S1 Death in a Small Town | E6 Shattered Faith
The small-town rumour mill is in overdrive. When Rose-Anne and Kent see a police car they expect to be pulled over. Their extended family is torn – some say fight on, others say drop it. Then, an eerily familiar request from police. Come to the station, we have news. Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London
S1 Death in a Small Town | E5 A Mother Fights Back
What is normal behaviour when your child is dying? Rose-Anne and Kent confront doctors and learn what they were saying behind their back. Rose-Anne digs deeper and discovers missed clues. Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London
S1 Death in a Small Town | E4 The Daycare
As the tunnel vision of police and doctors narrows even further, we investigate. The daycare operator's media posts and interviews with locals help fill in some of the blanks in Nathaniel's story, while a court victory provides access to previously secret police notes. Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London
S1 Death in a Small Town | E3 The Case
Shortly after Nathaniel is buried, police use a ruse to bring his parents in for interrogation. Rose-Anne and Kent reveal new information and the mystery of what happened to their son deepens. Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London
S1 Death in a Small Town | E2 Suspicion
Detectives zero in on parents Rose-Anne and Kent McLellan, while their son clings to life. While their every action is called into question, police conduct unauthorized searches and interview Nathaniel's three brothers in a basement room. Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London
S1 Death in a Small Town | E1 Just Another Day
Roll out of bed, get the kids to school, then off to work. Just before noon, disaster. A mysterious injury to young Nathaniel McLellan puzzles doctors at two hospitals and sparks what would become a six-year police investigation. Audio sources: Toronto Star, CTV News London
Introducing Suspicion Season 1, 'Death in a Small Town,' a new podcast hosted by Kevin Donovan
What began as just another day for the McLellan family would end with their youngest son clinging to life in hospital and a cloud of suspicion hanging over his mother and father. Why did Nathaniel collapse at the babysitter's home? And why did police keep their focus on his parents? Listen to the seven-part podcast series by Toronto Star investigative reporter Kevin Donovan. The series starts Mo
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