In a shocking turn of events, Robert Pickton, the notorious Canadian serial killer responsible for the deaths of over 20 women, has been hospitalized in critical condition following an assault at a prison in Quebec. Authorities revealed the grave news on Tuesday, stating that the 74-year-old is now fighting for his life.

Pickton, who was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder in 2007, was sentenced to life in prison with a maximum parole ineligibility period of 25 years. He was charged with the murders of 26 women, and the remains or DNA of 33 women were discovered on his pig farm in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia.

Prosecutors had previously stated that Pickton confessed to killing 49 women and intended to make it an "even 50" during conversations with an undercover officer planted in his jail cell. This shocking revelation further darkened the horrors of his crimes.

The serious assault took place at the maximum security Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec on Sunday. The Correctional Service Canada initially reported that an inmate had been hospitalized after the attack, and on Tuesday, it was confirmed that Pickton was the injured inmate. Authorities also clarified that none of the prison staff members were involved in the assault.

Quebec provincial police noted that Pickton's injuries were deemed life-threatening. A 51-year-old suspect was taken into custody in connection with the assault, according to police spokesman Hugues Beaulieu.

Pickton's confirmed victims, who tragically lost their lives at his hands, include Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Georgina Papin, and Marnie Frey. These brutal crimes shook the nation, leading to a conviction that imposed the maximum period of parole ineligibility.

Last month, a group of 12 mayors from the Vancouver area expressed their concerns by sending a letter to the federal justice minister, demanding that Pickton never be granted day parole. Despite their plea, Pickton remains eligible for day parole and is expected to be eligible for full parole in 2027.

The investigation into the disappearances of numerous women began more than 22 years ago, with police extensively searching Pickton's farm in Port Coquitlam. Throughout his trial, videotaped interviews played a crucial role as Pickton denied any knowledge of the victims, even asking a police officer, "Do I look like a murderer?"

In 2016, a book allegedly penned by Pickton was swiftly removed from Amazon's website after Canadian authorities raised objections, acting swiftly to prevent its distribution.

As the news of Pickton's hospitalization spreads, it serves as a reminder of the grim chapter in Canadian criminal history that he authored, and leaves many pondering the implications of this new development.