In a shocking turn of events, Robert Pickton, one of Canada's most notorious serial killers, has died at the age of 74, following an assault in prison, according to authorities. The Correctional Service of Canada confirmed the news, stating that Pickton, an inmate at Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec, passed away in hospital on May 19 as a result of injuries sustained in the assault by another inmate.

Robert Pickton gained infamy for his heinous crimes, where he brought female victims to his pig farm during a crime spree that took place near Vancouver in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His case garnered international attention and sent shockwaves through the country.

The assault on Pickton was allegedly carried out by a 51-year-old inmate, who is currently in custody. Police spokesman Hugues Beaulieu had previously provided information about the arrest earlier this month.

In 2007, Pickton was convicted on six counts of second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. He was charged with the murders of 26 women, but claimed to have killed a total of 49 during an undercover encounter with a police officer. The remains or DNA of 33 women were discovered on Pickton's farm located in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia.

During his trial, a prosecution witness disclosed that Pickton had admitted to strangling his victims and feeding their remains to his pigs. The shocking revelation prompted health officials to issue a tainted meat advisory for neighbors who may have purchased pork from Pickton's farm, as there were concerns of human remains contamination.

The arrest and subsequent investigation into Pickton's crimes unfolded over 22 years, during which numerous women, mostly sex workers and drug addicts living on the fringes of society, went missing from Vancouver's seedy streets. The lack of prompt action from the Vancouver police, who were criticized for not taking the cases seriously, highlighted the systemic neglect towards individuals from vulnerable populations.

For the families of Pickton's victims, his death brings a sense of closure and the possibility of healing. Cynthia Cardinal, whose sister Georgina Papin was one of Pickton's victims, expressed relief, stating that she can finally move on from her sister's murder. However, the pain lingers for many families affected by Pickton's crimes.

The Correctional Service of Canada has launched an investigation into the assault on Pickton, promising to scrutinize the circumstances and determine whether proper policies and protocols were followed. The service acknowledged the devastating impact of Pickton's case on communities across the country, particularly Indigenous peoples, victims, and their families.

Robert Pickton's confirmed victims include Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Papin, and Marnie Frey. Their tragic stories continue to serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of Pickton's actions.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc expressed condolences for the victims' families, emphasizing that the heinous nature of Pickton's crimes justified the maximum period of parole ineligibility imposed by the court during his sentencing.

As the nation reflects on the legacy of Robert Pickton, his death marks the end of a dark chapter, but the scars left by his crimes will forever remain.