Police allege that beginning in late 2020, Kenneth Law operated several websites that were used to sell sodium nitrite and other items that can be used for self-harm. Sodium nitrite is a common food preservative that is lethal in high levels. York Regional Police said they believe about 160 packages were allegedly sent by Law to addresses in Canada.
In August 2023 it was announced that 12 additional charges of Counselling or Aiding Suicide were laid, bringing the total number of charges to 14.
On Monday, December 11, 2023, investigators laid 14 additional charges of Second Degree Murder on Kenneth Law pertaining to the same 14 victims, bringing the total charges laid to 28.
Kenneth Law remains in custody, awaiting trial for the charges brought forward.
Investigators have said that Law allegedly sent at least 1,200 packages to people in more than 40 countries.
British police have said they identified 232 people in the United Kingdom, that purchased from Law, 88 of whom have died.
Law has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with 14 deaths in Ontario. Stephen Mitchell Jr., 21, from Toronto and Ashtyn Prosser, 19, from Windsor, Ont. Both are listed in court documents as alleged victims of Law. Police have not released the identities of the other victims only saying they are between the ages of 16 and 36.
As the investigation continued, a Multi-Jurisdictional Team of investigators was formed involving the following police agencies:
- Peel Regional Police
- York Regional Police
- Toronto Police Service
- Durham Regional Police Service
- Ontario Provincial Police
- London Police Service
- Waterloo Regional Police
- Windsor Police Service
- Ottawa Police Service
- Thunder Bay Police Service
- Barrie Police Service
Law’s lawyer Matthew Gourlay, said his client intended to plead not guilty to the charges.
Police are asking the community to be vigilant of online transactions and activity or the arrival of deliveries from any of the following companies.
- Imtime Cuisine
- AmbuCA
- Academic/ACademic
- Escape Mode/ escMode
- ICemac
If you or someone you know has received a package from the businesses listed above, please get in touch with your local police service immediately. Packages received could contain hoods, masks, tubing and/or sodium nitrite.
If you have information about an incident or have received a package that you suspect may contain any of these items, please email 11Divproject@peelpolice.ca or our Dedicated Project Line at 1-888-714-0003. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).