Notorious Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton has died nearly two weeks after a violent attack in prison.
Pickton, who infamously brought dozens of female victims to his pig farm, succumbed to injuries sustained during an attack by another inmate, as the New York Post reports.
The inmate, aged 74, passed away on Friday, following an assault by a fellow prisoner on May 19 at the Port-Cartier Institution. He was housed in a segregated intervention unit when the incident occurred.
The attacker, a 51-year-old inmate, used a broken broom handle to injure Pickton, aiming at his head. Currently, the assailant is in custody as authorities investigate the circumstances of the attack and its aftermath.
The Correctional Service of Canada stated that the investigation would scrutinize whether relevant policies and protocols were adhered to during the incident. Hugues Beaulieu, police spokesman, mentioned the comprehensive nature of the inquiry.
Pickton was convicted in 2007 for a series of gruesome murders that took place from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. He was serving a life sentence for the brutal killings of women, primarily drug addicts and sex workers, found on his property.
Investigators uncovered the remains or DNA of 39 women on Pickton's pig farm, leading to one of the most shocking criminal cases in Canadian history. Additionally, 20 more murder charges were waived in the wake of his life sentence. The heinous nature of his crimes extended beyond murder, as health officials issued a tainted meat advisory, warning that Pickton had fed human remains to his pigs.
As news of Pickton's death spread, many families of the victims expressed a complex mix of emotions. Cynthia Cardinal, whose sister was among Pickton's victims, remarked, "This is gonna bring healing for, I won’t say all families, I’ll just say most of the families."
Cardinal continued, "I’m like -- wow, finally. I can actually move on and heal, and I can put this behind me.” Her response mirrored a sentiment of relief and the potential for closure for many affected by his crimes.
The Correctional Service also acknowledged the profound impact Pickton's case has had on communities, especially in British Columbia and among Indigenous populations. Their statement reflected a shared sense of sympathy for the victims' families and the broader community.
The death of Pickton has not halted the search for justice and understanding of the events in the penitentiary. Authorities continue examining the details surrounding the assault, ensuring that all procedural standards were maintained.
The severity of the attack that led to Pickton's death raises questions about prison safety and the methods used to protect individuals, even those convicted of the most severe crimes. These investigations aim to uncover any lapses and prevent future occurrences.
As the inquiry processes the recent events, the legacy of Pickton's brutal crimes remains a stark reminder of the capacity for human cruelty, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of a nation.
