Robert Pickton, the infamous Canadian serial killer known for feeding his victims' remains to his pigs on his farm near Vancouver, has died in hospital after being assaulted in prison. The Correctional Service of Canada confirmed the death of Pickton, 71, stating that he passed away on Friday as a result of injuries sustained in the attack on May 19th at Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec.

Authorities have taken a 51-year-old inmate into custody in connection with the assault on Pickton, according to police spokesman Hugues Beaulieu. This incident marks the tragic end for Pickton, who was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder in 2007. He received a life sentence with a maximum parole ineligibility period of 25 years for the murders of 26 women.

The investigation into Pickton's crimes began over 22 years ago when police initiated a search of his farm in Port Coquitlam, a suburb of Vancouver. The search was part of a lengthy effort to uncover the truth behind the disappearances of numerous women. Shockingly, the remains or DNA of 33 women, many of whom were from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, were discovered on Pickton's farm in British Columbia.

During his trial, prosecution witness Andrew Bellwood testified that Pickton had described strangling his victims and feeding their remains to his pigs. The severity of Pickton's actions even prompted health officials at one point to issue a warning to neighbors who may have purchased pork from his farm, expressing concerns that the meat might have contained human remains.

The Correctional Service of Canada has now opened an investigation into the assault on Pickton, with a focus on examining whether proper policies and protocols were followed. In a statement, the service expressed understanding of the profound impact Pickton's crimes had on communities across British Columbia and the country, particularly Indigenous peoples, victims, and their families. They extended their thoughts to those affected by these horrific acts.

Pickton's confirmed victims were Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Papin, and Marnie Frey. British Columbia supreme court justice James Williams, during Pickton's sentencing, described the case as "rare" and justified the imposition of the maximum period of parole ineligibility.

The end of Pickton's life brings some closure to the numerous families who lost loved ones during his reign of terror. However, it serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that existed within this notorious figure and the lasting impact he left on the affected communities.