Former Canadian Chef Charged with 14 Counts of Murder
A former Canadian chef accused of selling suicide kits that lead to deaths in several countries was charged Monday with 14 counts of murder related to suicides in Canada as a result of his online scheme.
The charges filed against Kenneth Law, 58, are on top of 14 he already faces for allegedly "counseling or aiding" suicides across Ontario province, according to documents. His defense lawyer Matthew Gourlay also confirmed that Law has been charged with 14 new counts of second degree murder.
Law was arrested in May for marketing masks and sodium nitrite, a substance that is used as a food additive but can kill if misused. In June, Canadian police released photos of the sodium nitrate, adding that a joint operation led by 11 police agencies from across Ontario were investigating the case.
Law is said to have targeted vulnerable people online.
"Investigators are asking members of the community to be alert of any packaging or label identifying sodium nitrate," Constable Sarah Patten said in a video release.
He is believed to have sent as many as 1,200 packages to people in more than 40 countries since 2020.
Toronto police are scheduled to brief the media on the new charges Tuesday.
In a shocking revelation, it has been reported that a significant number of people who purchased products from Law's websites have died. The police in Britain have stated that out of the 272 people who made purchases, 88 of them have lost their lives.
The seriousness of the situation has prompted other countries, including New Zealand and Italy, to launch investigations. In New Zealand, nine buyers have been identified, and sadly, one victim has died.
The victims in Canada were both males and females between the ages of 16 and 36, according to the police. These tragic deaths highlight the alarming suicide rates in the country. Government statistics reveal that approximately 4,500 people in Canada die by suicide each year, with over 200 suicide attempts occurring daily.
In the United States, suicide deaths reached a record high last year, although there was a decrease among children and young adults, as per provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On a global scale, it is estimated that there are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year, according to the World Health Organization.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email [email protected].
