Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton, known for his heinous crimes committed at his pig farm near Vancouver in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has passed away at the age of 74. Authorities have confirmed that Pickton was assaulted while in prison, leading to his death.
According to a statement from the Correctional Service of Canada, Robert Pickton, a prisoner at Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec, died in the hospital after sustaining injuries in an assault by another inmate on May 19. Pickton was infamous as one of Canada’s most notorious serial killers, and his case gained significant attention worldwide.
According to police spokesman Hugues Beaulieu, a 51-year-old inmate was taken into custody for the assault on Pickton earlier this month.
Robert “Willie” Pickton, charged with the murders of 26 women, was found guilty of six counts of second-degree murder in 2007. He was sentenced to life in prison with a maximum parole ineligibility period of 25 years.
More than 22 years ago, authorities initiated an extensive search of the Pickton farm located in Port Coquitlam, a suburb of Vancouver. This marked the beginning of a lengthy investigation into the disappearances of numerous women from the city’s most deprived areas. These women were predominantly sex workers and individuals struggling with drug addiction, who had been marginalized by society.
Cynthia Cardinal, whose sister Georgina Papin fell victim to Pickton’s heinous act, expressed relief and hope for closure with his death.
“This will bring healing to not only all families, but to most families,” she expressed with a sense of relief. “I’m truly amazed by this development. Finally, I can genuinely move forward, heal, and let go of the past.”
Critics slammed the Vancouver police for their perceived lack of seriousness in handling these cases, especially considering that a significant number of the missing individuals were either sex workers or drug users.
The correctional service in Canada is currently conducting an investigation into the attack on Pickton.
“The investigation will thoroughly analyze all the facts and circumstances surrounding the assault, including an evaluation of whether policies and protocols were adhered to,” stated the service. “We are aware of the profound impact this offender’s case has had on communities in British Columbia and throughout the nation, especially Indigenous peoples, victims, and their families. Our thoughts are with them during this challenging time.”
Six victims have been confirmed to be linked to Pickton: Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Papin, and Marnie Frey.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc expressed his condolences over the death of an inmate at Port-Cartier Institution. In a statement, he acknowledged the tragic event and extended his sympathy to the families affected by the heinous crimes committed by the deceased individual.
During Pickton’s sentencing, Justice James Williams of the British Columbia Supreme Court emphasized that this was an exceptional case deserving of the highest possible period of parole ineligibility granted by the court.
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