Serial Killer Robert Pickton, Convicted of Six Murders, Dies After Assault in Prison

TORONTO - Robert Pickton, a Canadian serial killer notorious for his heinous crimes at his pig farm near Vancouver, has died at the age of 74 after being assaulted in prison, according to authorities. The Correctional Service of Canada confirmed that Pickton, who was serving his sentence at Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec, passed away in a hospital on May 19th due to injuries sustained in the assault, which involved another inmate.

Pickton's case gained international attention as he was responsible for the murders of at least six women and potentially many more. In 2007, he was convicted of second-degree murder for the deaths of Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Georgina Papin, and Marnie Frey. He was sentenced to life in prison with a maximum parole ineligibility period of 25 years.

The investigation into Pickton's crimes began over two decades ago when police started searching his farm in the Vancouver suburb of Port Coquitlam. Over the years, the remains or DNA of 33 women were discovered on the property, and Pickton himself once claimed to have killed a total of 49 women. During his trial, a prosecution witness testified that Pickton confessed to strangling his victims and feeding their remains to his pigs. The gruesome nature of the crimes led health officials to issue a tainted meat advisory to those who may have purchased pork from Pickton's farm, out of concern that it might have contained human remains.

Pickton's death has brought some closure to the families of his victims, who have long sought justice. Cynthia Cardinal, whose sister Georgina Papin was murdered by Pickton, expressed relief at the news, saying it would finally allow her to move on and heal. However, Cardinal acknowledged that not all families might feel the same way.

The Vancouver police faced criticism for their handling of the case, as many of the missing women were sex workers or drug users who were initially not taken seriously. This led to a prolonged investigation and delayed justice for the victims and their families.

The Correctional Service of Canada has launched an investigation into the assault on Pickton, aiming to determine if policies and protocols were followed. The service expressed its condolences to the communities affected by Pickton's crimes, particularly Indigenous peoples.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc also expressed his condolences to the victims' families upon learning of Pickton's death, acknowledging the devastating impact his crimes had on the affected communities. At the time of Pickton's sentencing, the British Columbia Supreme Court Justice James Williams recognized the severity of the case and justified the maximum parole ineligibility period imposed by the court.

The death of Robert Pickton marks the end of a dark chapter in Canadian criminal history, but the pain and trauma caused by his actions will continue to be felt by the victims' families and communities for years to come.