Toronto, Canada – A Canadian man is facing multiple murder charges after being accused of supplying a poisonous chemical to people who have died by suicide. Kenneth Law, a former chef, has been charged with 14 counts of second-degree murder in Ontario, Canada.
Law was previously charged with aiding suicide in relation to deaths of people who had allegedly purchased the lethal chemical from him online. British detectives have also linked Law to 90 deaths in the UK. Law’s lawyer, Matthew Gourlay, stated that his client intends to plead not guilty to the charges.
The murder charges announced by police on Tuesday mark an escalation in the prosecution of Law, with a total of 14 victims in Ontario. Along with the murder charges, Law faces 14 counts of aiding and counseling suicide in connection to the same Ontario deaths, for a total of 28 charges. He faces imprisonment for life if found guilty of second-degree murder under Canadian law.
Law, who remains in police custody, is also the subject of probes by police agencies in other parts of Canada and countries, including the UK. Canadian detectives said Law had run websites offering equipment and substances to help people end their lives. Additionally, police believe he may have sent more than 1,200 parcels containing lethal substances to around 40 countries.
The news of the charges were welcomed by David Parfett, whose 22-year-old son Tom died by suicide after purchasing the chemical from Law. “It sends a signal to other people who encourage vulnerable people to self-harm and provide suicide kits that they’re not beyond the law,” Parfett told the BBC.
While the news is a significant step for the victims’ families, concerns remain about other sellers who may have taken Law’s place and are still selling the poisonous chemical he allegedly supplied. Families also feel the UK government has not done enough to stop this type of crime.
The investigation is ongoing, and those affected by the issues in this story can seek help and support via the BBC Action Line or by phone at 988 in the US and Canada.