Kenneth Law facing upgraded murder charges in Ontario sodium nitrite deaths: sources
Editor’s note: If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health there are a number of ways to get help, including by calling or texting Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8. A list of local crisis centres is also available here.
Murder charges against Kenneth Law have been upgraded to the first degree, sources have confirmed to CTV News.
Law, a former chef from Mississauga, was previously facing 14 second-degree murder charges for allegedly selling sodium nitrite online to people who later died by suicide.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Law was arrested in May after allegedly operating a number of online storefronts to sell sodium nitrite, a preservative used for meat processing that can be lethal in large doses, and additional products like rubber tubing and gas masks – for the purpose of suicide.
In addition to the murder charges, Law is also facing 14 counts of counselling or aiding suicide.
The alleged victims, ranging in age from 16 to 36, resided across Ontario, including Toronto, York Region, Durham Region, London, Ont., Thunder Bay, Waterloo and Peel Region. While police have not released information about the individuals, they have previously confirmed more than one is under the age of 18.
Tracking by CTV News has determined that the number of deaths possibly connected to Law is over 100, according to accounts from authorities, media, and family members, in countries including the U.S., the U.K., and New Zealand.
Law, a former engineer, has said he’s not responsible for what people do with his products and has denied the charges.
CTV News Toronto has contacted Peel Regional Police, which is leading the multi-jurisdictional investigation, for comment.
With files from Jon Woodward
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no
A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General.
Two U.S. Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident, U.S. military says
Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down Sunday over the Red Sea in an apparent 'friendly fire' incident, the U.S military said, marking the most serious incident to threaten troops in over a year of America targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels.
Ottawa MP Mona Fortier appointed chief government whip
Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier has been appointed as chief government whip, the latest addition in a major reshuffle of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet.
opinion
opinion Tom Mulcair: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's train wreck of a final act
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader and political analyst Tom Mulcair puts a spotlight on the 'spectacular failure' of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's final act on the political stage.
B.C. mayor gets calls from across Canada about 'crazy' plan to recruit doctors
A British Columbia community's "out-of-the-box" plan to ease its family doctor shortage by hiring physicians as city employees is sparking interest from across Canada, says Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.
Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains - and bots
Bluesky has seen its user base soar since the U.S. presidential election, boosted by people seeking refuge from Elon Musk's X, which they view as increasingly leaning too far to the right given its owner's support of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, or wanting an alternative to Meta's Threads and its algorithms.
'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship
An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space.
opinion
opinion King Charles' Christmas: Who's in and who's out this year?
Christmas 2024 is set to be a Christmas like no other for the Royal Family, says royal commentator Afua Hagan. King Charles III has initiated the most important and significant transformation of royal Christmas celebrations in decades.
OPP find wanted man by chance in eastern Ontario home, seize $50K worth of drugs
A wanted eastern Ontario man was found with $50,000 worth of drugs and cash on him in a home in Bancroft, Ont. on Friday morning, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Montreal
-
Major factory fire in the Maskinonge, Que.
A major fire devastated an industrial building in the municipality Maskinongé, Que on Saturday.
-
West Island clinic set to close at the end of December
Statcare Emergency Clinic in Pointe-Claire will shut its doors on Dec. 31.
-
Here's how you can watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Saturday during the NFL season
With CTV broadcasting NFL football games on Saturdays this season, CTV News Montreal at Six will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App.
Ottawa
-
It feels like minus 28 this Sunday morning in Ottawa
It feels like minus 28 with the windchill this Sunday morning, as lower-than-average-temperatures continue to linger around the capital.
-
What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays
CTVNewsOttawa.ca takes a look at what's open and closed over the Christmas and New Year's holidays this year.
-
What's happening in Ottawa over the Christmas holidays
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa over the holiday season.
Northern Ontario
-
Robinson Superior First Nations provided settlement offer from Canada over annuities owed
Details haven’t been made public yet about the settlement offer presented on Friday by Canada to the 12 First Nations in the Robinson Superior Treaty Territory.
-
Northern Ont. man illegally killed three moose, one deer
A man from the northwestern Ontario community of Dinorwic has been found guilty of multiple hunting offences and fined $6,500, banned from hunting for five years and placed on probation for 18 months.
-
opinion
opinion Tom Mulcair: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's train wreck of a final act
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader and political analyst Tom Mulcair puts a spotlight on the 'spectacular failure' of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's final act on the political stage.
Kitchener
-
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
-
Impaired driver causes significant delays on Waterloo highway
A 24-year-old man is facing charges after driving while drunk across two Waterloo Regional highways on Friday.
-
Fire destroys home in Haldimand County
A home in Haldimand County has been destroyed after a Saturday afternoon fire.
London
-
New Canadians displaced after fire destroys east London townhome
A family of new Canadians from Nigeria are looking for a new home just before Christmas. Fire destroyed their townhome on Bentley Drive in northeast London, Ont. Friday night.
-
Feeling Festive? Check out this display of over 300 lit Christmas trees
“We have over 300 Christmas trees on display, the majority of them are sponsored and decorated by all of our amazing local businesses,” says Ashley Mason, event and hospitality manager at CASO Station and ECRM in St. Thomas, Ont.
-
Sarnia Police Auxiliary Unit works to return stolen shopping carts to businesses
The high cost of crime is often passed on to consumers – whether it’s shoplifting, vandalism or property damage.
Windsor
-
Former workers of 'one-of-a-kind' entertainment hub reunite
Former employees of the Elmwood Casino gathered outside their old stomping grounds Saturday, exactly 50 years after the prominent Windsor joint shut its doors.
-
'Heartwarming': Windsor-Essex families receive help filling underneath the tree
Space under the Christmas tree became far more limited for several Windsor-Essex families who received a visit from volunteers at Project Christmas.
-
'It's got to stop, it's that simple': Windsor cab drivers warn of unregulated operators
Drivers now compete with individuals using social media to advertise rides at cut-rate prices. One person offers $10 rides within the city, while another promotes daily trips from Windsor to Toronto for $45 per person.
Barrie
-
One driver faces several charges following Highway 400 crash in Oro-Medonte
Traffic came to a standstill Friday afternoon following a single-vehicle collision on Highway 400 in Oro-Medonte.
-
High school teacher charged with sexual assault amid allegations involving a student
A 51-year-old teacher from Georgina has been charged with sexual assault following allegations involving a student.
-
Hospice Simcoe mourns loss of COPE service pup, after 7.5 years of service
The Hospice Simcoe community is mourning the loss of their Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (COPE) service dog, Daisy.
Winnipeg
-
Residential parking ban lifted in Winnipeg
The City of Winnipeg has lifted its parking ban on residential streets, which means its winter route ban is back in effect.
-
Muslim youth group distributes meals to Winnipeg's most vulnerable
In the spirit of giving season, a Muslim youth group made its way through the city’s downtown distributing meals to those in need.
-
Bail denied for Winnipeg woman accused of killing animals in online videos
Warning: This story contains disturbing details. Discretion is advised. A Winnipeg woman accused of making videos of animals being tortured and killed that were sold on the dark web was denied bail.
Atlantic
-
Cancellations, closures accompany Maritime storm
There are a number of closures in the Maritimes Saturday after a nor'easter brought heavy snow to parts of the region.
-
Calling all bloodhounds: These P.E.I. blood donors have four legs and a tail
Dogs are donating blood and saving the lives of canines at the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown.
-
Big splash: Halifax mermaid waves goodbye after 16 years
Halifax's Raina the Mermaid is closing her business after 16 years in the Maritimes.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland woman washed sick patients' hair every Saturday for more than 20 years
A retired nurse and teacher in Newfoundland was honoured this week for her volunteer work, which included more than two decades washing the hair of bedridden hospital patients.
-
Newfoundland man facing more charges related to youth sex crimes
A 64-year-old Newfoundland man charged with dozens of sex crimes involving young people is facing several new charges.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
Edmonton
-
'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship
An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space.
-
Icy conditions: Alberta RCMP warn of poor driving conditions on QEII between Leduc and Red Deer
Alberta RCMP issued a warning to drivers Saturday morning about slick conditions on the QEII between Leduc and Red Deer.
-
Heavy police presence in south Fort McMurray: RCMP
RCMP warned Fort McMurray residents Saturday night about an unfolding police incident in Beacon Hill.
Calgary
-
'This shouldn't happen': Calgary family seeks changes after WestJet accessibility incident
A Calgary woman wants WestJet to apologize to her daughter and to improve staff training on accessibility after an incident during their latest trip.
-
Promise of high-level hockey comes at a cost for prep school players at Circle K Classic
Calgary is set to host the Circle K Classic, welcoming some high-end talent and pricey prep schools for the annual U18 AAA hockey tournament.
-
Flames get goals from 6 players in a 6-4 victory over the Blackhawks
Jonathan Huberdeau, Connor Zary, Blake Coleman, and Matt Coronato each had a goal and an assist as the Calgary Flames beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4 on Saturday.
Regina
-
Gathering held in Regina to recognize Winter Solstice
Regina's mâmawêyatitân centre held a day of gathering for the Winter Solstice on Saturday.
-
Canada's first sustainable Tim Hortons location to open in Regina this weekend
Canada’s first sustainable Tim Hortons opens in Regina this weekend. The restaurant, located in the city’s east end, features design and operating features that minimize environmental impact.
-
Gravelbourg's transportation program celebrates addition of new vehicle and garage
The town of Gravelbourg is celebrating the addition of a new vehicle and garage which will be used in their local transportation program.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. police investigating mischief incident after bomb report in school
Prince Albert police are investigating a mischief incident after a bomb report in a school Friday afternoon.
-
Prince Albert woman collects donations to make Christmas hampers for community
A Prince Albert woman is spreading holiday cheer by organizing Christmas hampers for those in need.
-
Sask. lawyers defend judge for staying fatal THC-impaired driving charge
The Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association is defending a provincial court judge, who’s facing backlash for staying a charge in a high-profile case involving the death of a child.
Vancouver
-
Man wounded in Mission, B.C., shooting
One man was injured in a shooting in the Lower Mainland city of Mission Saturday morning, Mounties confirmed.
-
Winds exceeding 120 km/h reported in parts of B.C. coast
Residents of parts of the British Columbia coast are again bracing for high winds, with gusts forecasted to reach 110 km/h in some areas.
-
2 dead after car crash in Burnaby
Two people were killed in a car crash in Burnaby early Saturday morning, police confirmed.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. mayor gets calls from across Canada about 'crazy' plan to recruit doctors
A British Columbia community's "out-of-the-box" plan to ease its family doctor shortage by hiring physicians as city employees is sparking interest from across Canada, says Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.
-
B.C. woman with photographic memory strives to make unforgettable Christmas displays
Although Alisha Pauling is looking through old pictures, she doesn’t need them to remember her Christmases past. She has a photographic memory.
-
Internet stranger's kind gesture restores Canucks fan's faith in humanity
A Nanaimo, B.C., couple is in awe at the kindness of an internet stranger who helped them track down a coveted Christmas gift.
