Alleged suicide 'Chef of Death' charged with 14 counts of murder

·21 min·2 clips

An Ontario man is charged with 14 murders for allegedly selling sodium nitrite online to 117 people across 40 countries.

The episode begins with a warning about suicide content before introducing Kenneth Law, a 58-year-old from Mississauga who worked as a chef and engineer. Law was initially charged with counselling suicide for selling sodium nitrite online, but police later upgraded the charges to 14 counts of second-degree murder. Joe Warmington explains that Law allegedly sold to 1,200 people, with 117 deaths reported in 40 countries, though he hasn't been charged elsewhere. The discussion highlights the legal complexity, as police haven't indicated direct connections between Law and the victims, raising questions about whether selling a product online constitutes murder. Warmington compares the case to historical figures like Dr. Kevorkian and references Canada's MAID program, suggesting Law's defense might argue he provided an alternative to restrictive assisted dying laws. The guest notes that Law has hired top defense lawyer Marie Hannon, known for high-profile cases like the Jian Ghomeshi trial. Police have not released victim names, which Warmington critiques as blurring the line between suicide and murder in public accountability. The episode delves into the potential trial timeline, with Warmington predicting it may not start until 2025 and discussing bail possibilities for someone charged with 14 murders. Comparisons are made to other Canadian serial killers, such as Robert Pickton and Bruce McArthur, to contextualize the severity of the charges. Warmington emphasizes the novelty of a case where the accused allegedly had no direct interaction with victims, making it a legal precedent. The conversation also touches on the 'death business' and dystopian visions of integrated dying services. The host and guest explore how this case intersects with public debates on assisted dying and mental health. Overall, the episode provides a detailed analysis of the allegations, legal strategies, and broader societal implications.

As heard by us

A Canadian murder case raises hard questions about proof, regulation, and where legal responsibility begins.

Dave Breckenridge and Toronto Sun columnist Joe Warmington treat the Kenneth Law case as both a criminal proceeding and a test of moral responsibility.

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Why you'd press play

You get the central question: when does an alleged online sale of sodium nitrite become a murder case?

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