Kenneth Law to plead not guilty to 14 counts of 2nd-degree murder

Kenneth Law, the man who allegedly sold lethal substances to people who later took their lives, will be pleading not guilty to 14 new charges of second-degree murder, according to his lawyer.

Peel police confirmed in a press conference on Tuesday that Law is now facing these new charges in addition to 14 counts of counselling and aiding suicide that had previously been laid.

The collaborative investigation between 11 Ontario police departments alleges that the 57-year-old Mississauga man ran several websites that were used to sell sodium nitrite and other items that can be used for self harm.

These 28 total charges pertain solely to cases within Ontario. Police say they are aware of additional packages having been sent in the province and continue to investigate those cases.

WATCH MORE: 12 new charges laid against Kenneth Law in Ontario deaths: Peel police

Police say they are continuing to investigate the motive behind the incidents at this time and have not confirmed whether Law was in direct communication with any of the victims.

When asked whether Law is being considered as a serial killer by investigators, Inspector Simon James of York Regional Police says, “We’re focusing strictly on the evidence. It is not a term that we are using.”

The victims varied in ages from 16 to 36 and more than one is below the age of 18, James confirmed at the press conference.

James says that police believe approximately 160 packages were sent throughout Canada and over 1,200 packages sent to 40 countries globally. He reiterated that a package sent does not necessarily mean there is a case associated with it.

READ MORE: Toronto police review sudden deaths for links to man charged in lethal product sale

Law’s alleged activities are being investigated by authorities in other parts of Canada and abroad for possible links to deaths in those jurisdictions.

Police in the United Kingdom say they have identified 232 people, 88 of which died, who purchased products from Canadian websites believed to be linked to the accused.

Officials in the United States, Italy, Australia and New Zealand have additionally announced their own investigations.

Law remains in custody awaiting a court date Dec. 19 in Newmarket.

READ MORE:

Officers are reminding the public to stay vigilant of online transactions and deliveries from the following companies: Imtime Cuisine, AmbuCA, Academic/ACademic, Escape Mode/ escMode and ICemac.

According to investigators, packages received from these companies could contain hoods, masks, tubing and/or sodium nitrate.

Anyone who receives or knows someone who has received a package from one of the listed businesses is asked to contact local police immediately.