Serial Killer Robert Pickton Dies Following Prison Attack

Robert William Pickton is shown in this undated image from a television screen. Getty Images/Staff

Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton has died from his injuries after being assaulted at a Quebec prison earlier this month.

The 74-year-old died in hospital May 31 after being injured in an assault involving another inmate at the Port-Cartier Institution on May 19, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) said in a press release.

Mr. Pickton was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2007, with the maximum parole ineligibility period of 25 years, after being charged with the murders of 26 women.

The remains or DNA of 33 women, many who were taken from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, were found on his pig farm in Port Coquitlam, and he once bragged to an undercover police officer that he killed a total of 49. His confirmed victims were Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Georgina Papin, and Marnie Frey.

Mr. Pickton’s next of kin has been notified of his death, CSC said, adding that it has also contacted registered victims. The police and coroner have also been notified in accordance with CSC policy on inmate deaths.

“We are mindful that this offender’s case has had a devastating impact on communities in British Columbia and across the country, including Indigenous peoples, victims, and their families,” CSC said in its statement. “Our thoughts are with them.”

An investigation will be held into the assault that caused Mr. Pickton’s death, CSC added.

“The investigation will examine all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the assault, including whether policies and protocols were followed,” CSC said. “It will also identify any recommendations and corrective measures, as needed.”

The agency has also said it planned to review the incident to prevent similar situations at Port-Cartier, which can hold up to 237 prisoners and is located more than 600 kilometres northeast of Quebec City.

Parole Concerns

There was some concern in 2022 about whether Mr. Pickton would be granted parole after the Supreme Court of Canada struck down a law allowing consecutive sentences with stacked parole ineligibility periods. The court said it was unconstitutional.

Mr. Pickton became eligible for day parole in February but it’s not known if he ever made an application. Victims’ family members criticized the justice system, saying Mr. Pickton should never be released.

A dozen municipal leaders sent a letter to Justice Minister Arif Virani on April 24, saying that granting Mr. Pickton parole would “undermine the integrity of Canada’s justice system.”