New Zealand coroner links four deaths to online “suicide kits” sold by Canadian chef
A New Zealand coroner has formally connected four deaths to the sale of “suicide kits” purchased online from a former Canadian chef, according to findings published Monday.
Coroner Alexandra Cunninghame reported that three students, aged 18 to 21, and a 40-year-old personal trainer, took their own lives after buying kits from businesses associated with Canadian Kenneth Law.
Canadian police believe that Law sent as many as 1,200 “suicide kits” to individuals in more than 40 countries between 2020 and his arrest in 2023, targeting vulnerable people online. Canadian prosecutors claim the kits contained a food additive that can be lethal if misused.
Legal action and international investigations
Law was arrested in May 2023 and charged in Canada with 14 counts of murder and 14 counts of aiding and counseling suicide. He has denied the charges. Alerted by Interpol, several other countries have initiated investigations into his activities.
In Britain, at least 272 people purchased products from Law’s websites, resulting in 88 deaths, according to police. In Italy, nine buyers have been identified, with at least one confirmed death. The Canadian victims, identified by police, ranged in age from 16 to 36 and included both males and females.
Call for internet restrictions
New Zealand’s Suicide Prevention Office has requested internet service providers to block Law’s website in New Zealand, as stated by the coroner.