Kenneth Law, known as the Canadian 'poison seller', accused of multiple murder charges

Kenneth Law, a 57-year-old former chef from Canada, is facing multiple murder charges for allegedly supplying a poisonous chemical to individuals who died by suicide. Canadian police have charged Law with 14 counts of second-degree murder. Law was previously charged with aiding suicide in relation to deaths of individuals who had reportedly purchased the lethal chemical from him online. British detectives have also connected Law to 90 deaths in the UK. In response to the charges, Law's lawyer stated that his client intends to plead not guilty. The murder charges represent a significant escalation in Law's prosecution in Canada, which has involved a complex investigation by 11 police agencies in Ontario, the country's largest province. The charges pertain to a total of 14 victims in Ontario. Simon James, an inspector with York Regional Police, stated that evidence supports the charge of second-degree murder but did not provide further details due to the ongoing investigation. In addition to the murder charges, Law also faces 14 counts of aiding and counseling suicide related to the same deaths in Ontario, bringing the total number of charges against him to 28. If found guilty of second-degree murder under Canadian law, Law could face a life imprisonment sentence. Law remains in police custody and is also being investigated by police agencies in other regions of Canada and internationally, including the UK. Ontario police are cooperating with international investigations. Law is believed to have operated multiple websites offering equipment and substances that assist individuals in ending their lives. Canadian police suspect that he sent over 1,200 parcels, containing lethal substances, to approximately 40 countries. He was initially arrested and charged with counseling or aiding suicide in May, with additional charges linked to deaths in Ontario brought against him in August. The age range of the deceased individuals spanned from 16 to 36 years old, with more than one victim under the age of 18. Many of Law's alleged victims were based in the UK, with the National Crime Agency (NCA) in London reporting that Law had sent packages to 272 people, 90 of whom later died. However, the NCA could not confirm if a toxic substance directly caused each death. The NCA is now investigating potential criminal offenses committed in the UK. One individual died after police conducted welfare checks on all addresses that received a parcel. A spokesperson for the NCA stated that the investigation aims to identify evidence of crimes committed in the UK or against British citizens. The charges against Law were welcomed by David Parfett, whose son died by suicide in October 2021 after purchasing the chemical from Law. Parfett believes the charges send a message to those who encourage vulnerable individuals to self-harm or provide suicide kits. He also emphasized the need for authorities to do more to protect people online and prevent such crimes. While the charges represent a significant development for the families of the victims, concerns remain. Families worry that other sellers may have taken Law's place and continue to supply the poisonous chemical. Many also express dissatisfaction with the UK government's response to these crimes. One major challenge highlighted by Inspector Simon James is the presence of websites used by Law that operate in countries outside of Canada, where Canadian law does not apply. Families of victims also seek action against those who establish and manage pro-suicide forums that encourage and instruct vulnerable individuals on how to end their lives. Some victims discovered Law and similar sellers through these forums, which were previously exposed by the BBC but remain unnamed. The victims' families hope for justice and increased efforts to prevent the distribution of harmful substances and online encouragement of self-harm.