Man faces murder charges for aiding over 100 suicides in 40 countries

The accused is reportedly set to plead not guilty in court. (Representational)

Kenneth Law, a 58-year-old former engineer and chef from Ontario, Canada, has escalated from facing charges of counselling or aiding suicide to confronting the gravity of 14 second-degree murder charges, a revelation confirmed by his lawyer on Monday.

Law stands accused of distributing lethal but legal substances through online stores he operated since late 2020, an operation that has left a trail of tragedy spanning more than 40 countries.

The charges of counselling or aiding suicide, each carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment, have now transformed into far graver allegations, with second-degree murder charges that entail a minimum sentence of life in prison.

Law's case has gained international attention, with police estimating that he sent over 1,200 deadly packages globally, including 160 within Canada.

Police investigations extend across borders, with the UK's National Crime Agency revealing that 272 individuals in the UK purchased products from Law, resulting in 88 deaths. Law, who maintains his innocence and intends to plead not guilty, is at the heart of a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving 11 Ontario police forces.

Media reports link Law to more than 100 deaths on three continents, sparking investigations not only in Canada but also in the United States, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.

Law's case draws parallels to infamous Canadian murderers Clifford Olson and Robert Pickton, placing him among those charged with some of the highest murder counts in the country.

The accused is reportedly set to plead not guilty and has denied the allegations stating he’s not responsible for what people do with his products.

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