TORONTO, Canada – A Canadian man, Kenneth Law, faces multiple murder charges for allegedly supplying a poisonous chemical to individuals who died by suicide. According to Canadian police, Law has been charged with 14 counts of second-degree murder and was previously charged with aiding suicide related to individuals who purchased the lethal chemical from him online.
Law, a 57-year-old former chef, is also linked to 90 deaths in the UK, as per British detectives. The murder charges mark an escalation in the prosecution of Law, involving a “very active and very complex” investigation in Ontario, Canada.
According to police, Law intended to plead not guilty to the charges, as stated by his lawyer, Matthew Gourlay. Furthermore, Law is also facing 14 counts of aiding and counselling suicide in connection to the same Ontario deaths, bringing the total charges to 28.
The investigation revealed that Law had run several websites offering equipment and substances to assist people in ending their lives. Canadian detectives believe he may have sent more than 1,200 parcels containing lethal substances to around 40 countries.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) in London reported that Law was known to have sent packages to 272 people in the UK, and 90 of those recipients later died. David Parfett, a father of one of the victims, expressed his relief at the charges, stating that it sends a signal to others who encourage vulnerable people to self-harm and provide suicide kits.
Law’s case raises concerns about the lack of regulation and oversight on online platforms, with families of victims calling for action against those who set up and run pro-suicide forums. As the investigation continues, Law remains in police custody and is cooperating with international law enforcement agencies to address the far-reaching implications of his alleged criminal activities.
In conclusion, Kenneth Law, a Canadian man, has been charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder and aiding suicide in connection to supplying a poisonous chemical to individuals who subsequently died by suicide in Canada and the UK. The case highlights the challenges of regulating online platforms and the far-reaching implications of such criminal activities.