Families of people who died after buying lethal products from a Canadian online seller investigated in connection with more than 100 deaths worldwide described lives shattered by grief as he faced sentencing for aiding 14 suicides TORONTO -- Families of people who died after buying lethal products from a Canadian online seller investigated in connection with more than 100 deaths worldwide described lives shattered by grief Wednesday as he faced sentencing for aiding 14 suicides. Kenneth Law, a former chef from Mississauga, Ontario, pleaded guilty in May to 14 counts of counseling or aiding suicide involving people ages 16 to 36. He sent about 1,200 packages to more than 40 countries, and prosecutors say 79 deaths in the United Kingdom will also be considered at sentencing.
Police in Canada and around the world have been investigating more than 100 suicides linked to Law. The charges against him in the Canadian court are related to 14 people across Ontario who were between the ages of 16 and 36. Canadian police said Law used a series of websites to market and sell sodium nitrite, a substance commonly used to cure meats that can be deadly if ingested.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. The U.S. suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.
In the U.K., the Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or www.samaritans.org. The parents of 18-year-old Jeshennia Bedoya-Lopez described a permanent void after losing their only daughter. Leonardo Bedoya Forero said he often feels on the verge of collapsing under the weight of his grief and watching his wife struggle with the same loss.
I can’t erase my wife’s pain. I can’t erase my own.” The court is expected to hear 74 victim impact statements over several days. Stephen Mitchell Sr. said Law deprived his 21-year-old son of the chance to recover from depression.
Law, are still here.” The court also heard from Elisabeth Belien of the United Kingdom, who survived after consuming a substance she bought from Law while struggling with her mental health. Prosecutors have agreed to withdraw 14 first-degree murder charges after Law is sentenced. Those convicted of aiding suicide in Canada can face up to 14 years in prison.
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