Robert Pickton, one of Canada's most notorious serial killers, has died following an assault in prison, authorities announced on Friday. Pickton, 74, was attacked on May 19 at the Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
The Correctional Service of Canada confirmed Pickton's death in a statement, noting, “We are mindful that this offender’s case has had a devastating impact on communities in British Columbia and across the country, including Indigenous peoples, victims, and their families. Our thoughts are with them.”
Pickton, also known as "Willie," was convicted in 2007 of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the maximum parole ineligibility period of 25 years. His crimes involved luring female victims to his pig farm during a crime spree in the late 1990s and early 2000s near Vancouver. The case gained international attention due to the gruesome nature of his actions and the high number of victims.
The remains or DNA of 33 women were discovered on Pickton’s farm, and he once boasted to an undercover officer about killing a total of 49 women. During his trial, a witness testified that Pickton described how he strangled his victims and fed their remains to his pigs. Health officials even issued a tainted meat advisory, warning neighbors who might have bought pork from Pickton’s farm that it could contain human remains.
Cynthia Cardinal, whose sister Georgina Papin was among Pickton's victims, expressed relief at the news of his death. “This is gonna bring healing for, I won’t say all families, I’ll just say most of the families,” she said. “I’m like — wow, finally. I can actually move on and heal and I can put this behind me.”
The police investigation into the Pickton farm began more than 22 years ago in the Vancouver suburb of Port Coquitlam. It turned into a years-long probe into the disappearances of dozens of women, many of whom were sex workers or drug addicts marginalized by society. Vancouver police faced criticism for not taking the missing persons cases seriously due to the victims' backgrounds.
A 51-year-old inmate is currently in custody for the assault on Pickton, according to police spokesman Hugues Beaulieu. The Correctional Service of Canada has launched an investigation into the attack. “The investigation will examine all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the assault, including whether policies and protocols were followed,” the service stated.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc also commented on the incident, stating, “Earlier today, I was made aware of the death of an inmate at Port-Cartier Institution. At this time, my thoughts are with the families of the victims of this individual’s heinous crimes.”
Pickton's confirmed victims included Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Georgina Papin, and Marnie Frey. The tragic legacy of his crimes continues to impact the families and communities affected.
British Columbia Supreme Court Justice James Williams, during Pickton’s sentencing, described the case as one that “properly warrants the maximum period of parole ineligibility available to the court.” The conclusion of Pickton’s life in prison marks the end of a dark chapter in Canadian criminal history, but the pain and memories of his actions remain with those who lost loved ones.
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