A Canadian man accused of selling lethal products across 40 countries to hundreds of people who bought them to end their own lives— including at least five New Zealanders — pleaded guilty to 14 counts of counselling or aiding suicide.
This article discusses suicide and may disturb some readers.
Kenneth Law, 60, entered guilty pleas on Friday to 14 counts of counselling or aiding suicide as part of a deal with Canadian prosecutors, who in turn dropped 14 first-degree murder charges against him.
The charges relate to victims in Ontario aged between 16 and 36. Those convicted of aiding suicide in Canada face up to 14 years in prison per charge.
Family members of victims wept in court as prosecutors detailed the final moments of almost 100 people who died after purchasing products from Law, according to the Associated Press.
Law, widely referred to as the 'Merchant of Death' by international media, was arrested in May 2023 at his home in Mississauga, Ontario. Canadian police alleged he sent at least 1200 packages containing lethal products to more than 40 countries, with around 160 packages sent to addresses within Canada.
In New Zealand, authorities have linked his operation to the deaths of at least five people. The Coroners Court confirmed it had received reports of deaths suspected to be linked to Law's activities, saying the usual inquiry process would be followed. The coroner has since noted Law's activities fall outside the jurisdiction of New Zealand courts.
New Zealand has its own legal framework for assisted dying under the End of Life Choice Act, which came into force following the 2020 referendum. It applies only to eligible adults with a terminal illness and requires formal medical oversight.
Globally, police have investigated more than 100 suicides connected to Law, with law enforcement agencies in New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Italy, Canada, and the United Kingdom all opening investigations.
While assisted dying has been legal in Canada since 2016 for adults aged 18 and older with a serious illness or disability, it requires formal medical oversight. Aiding or recommending suicide outside those parameters remains a criminal offence.
Law has remained in custody since his arrest. Sentencing is scheduled for September.
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