Canadian Man in 14 Suicide Cases Reaches Plea Deal With Prosecutors

A Canadian man accused of assisting in 14 suicide cases will avoid a murder trial after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors. Kenneth Law, 60, is expected to plead guilty to lesser charges of counselling or aiding suicide, which carry reduced penalties.

Police said Law had operated multiple websites since 2020 through which he sold a legal but lethal substance along with other items linked to self-harm. Investigators believe he shipped at least 1,200 packages to more than 40 countries, including about 160 within Canada.

The case has prompted international investigations. Authorities in several countries are examining whether the products are linked to deaths and have begun contacting customers. The UK National Crime Agency (NCA), for example, is investigating potential offences connected to the deaths of 112 people who purchased similar products from Canadian websites.

Law had faced 14 counts of first-degree murder involving victims aged 16 to 36. He has been in custody since May 2023. The case is due to return to court on Monday.

(reuters, lud)