Where Is Robert Pickton Today?
In a dramatic twist of fate, notorious serial killer Robert Pickton now lies in a Quebec hospital, clinging to life after a vicious prison attack. The grisly assault, which occurred a week ago at the maximum-security Port-Cartier Institution, saw Pickton speared in the head with a broken broom handle by a fellow inmate.
As he remains in a medically induced coma, doctors are evaluating his chances of survival. Meanwhile, the families of his Edmonton-area victims are seizing this moment to demand justice and uncover the full truth behind his horrific crimes.
Kristina Bateman, daughter of Pickton victim Georgina Papin, expressed her desire for closure. "I want to feel like it’s completely closed, and I have a feeling … the whole truth is not out yet," Bateman told Edmonton Journal. Papin, originally from the Enoch Cree First Nation near Edmonton, was one of the many victims whose remains were found on Pickton's pig farm in Port Coquitlam, B.C., in July 2002.
Pickton, who was convicted in 2007 for the murders of six women, once claimed to have killed 49 women. The remains or DNA of 33 women were discovered on his farm. Despite his conviction, many, including Bateman and her lawyer Jason Gratl, believe Pickton had accomplices.
Bateman, now residing in Las Vegas, is involved in ongoing lawsuits against Pickton and his brother, David, filed by families of the victims.
"He mentioned to authorities that other people were involved — investigators should still be looking into the allegations. I don’t feel like justice has been served completely," Bateman told Edmonton Journal. She is determined to uncover more of the truth surrounding her mother’s death.
Gratl, representing the families in nine lawsuits, stated that Pickton's potential death would not impact the civil trials. "Robert William Pickton’s state of health or well-being — I don’t anticipate it will have any significant effect on the progress of the civil trial," Gratl told The Canadian Press. He emphasized the importance of preserving the 14,000 pieces of evidence collected from Pickton’s farm, which are crucial for the ongoing legal battles.
The RCMP has applied to dispose of this evidence, and a B.C. Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for June 26 to address this issue. "It’s in their interest to preserve the evidence seized by the RCMP on the Pickton farm to allow my clients to prove that Robert Pickton and David Pickton caused them to suffer loss," Gratl explained.
The investigation into Pickton’s crimes has been criticized for its shortcomings, leading to a $50,000 settlement in 2014 for the victims’ children, who sued all three levels of government and the RCMP. Statements from the trial suggest a belief that Pickton did not act alone, and others may be implicated in the murders.
Bateman, who maintains close ties with her surviving siblings, reflects on her mother’s legacy. "We can’t forget about the victims. Even though he wasn’t charged with all of them, we can’t forget about all the other women that he wasn’t charged with," she told Edmonton Journal. Remembering Georgina Papin as "beautiful and sweet," Bateman ensures her children know about their grandmother, celebrating her life and memory.
Yvette Papin, another relative, echoed these sentiments. She described Georgina as kind-hearted and caring, someone who always put others first. While conflicted about the attack on Pickton, Yvette believes he is facing the consequences of his actions. "What he got was nothing compared to what he’s done to the women," Yvette told Edmonton Journal, highlighting the enduring trauma for the victims’ families and the investigators.
As the legal proceedings continue, the families of Pickton’s victims remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice and truth, ensuring that the memories of their loved ones are honored and preserved.
How Did They Catch Robert Pickton? Pickton's Crimes
Robert Pickton is one of Canada's most notorious serial killers convicted in 2007 for the murders of six women, though he claimed to have killed many more. His crimes shocked the nation and highlighted severe lapses in the handling of missing persons cases, particularly involving vulnerable women from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
What Is Robert Pickton Known For?
Victims: Pickton targeted women from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, many of whom were sex workers or struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Where: Pickton's family’s pig farm in Port Coquitlam, B.C., was the site where he disposed of his victims' remains.
Evidence: The remains or DNA of 33 women were found on the farm, with Pickton boasting to an undercover officer that he had killed 49 women (Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines).
The Investigation and Trial
Initial Arrest: Pickton was arrested in 2002, leading to one of Canada's largest serial murder investigations.
Charges: Initially charged with 26 counts of murder, the trial focused on six counts to expedite proceedings.
Conviction: In 2007, Pickton was found guilty of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years (Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines).
Evidence Preservation: Ongoing legal battles focus on preserving the 14,000 pieces of evidence collected during the investigation. Families of the victims are concerned about the RCMP's attempts to dispose of this evidence, fearing it may impede further justice and closure (Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines).
Civil Lawsuits: Victims' families have filed multiple lawsuits against Pickton and his brother, seeking accountability and compensation for their losses.
The case of Robert Pickton remains a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities and the importance of systemic reforms in law enforcement practices. As families continue to seek justice, the legacy of Pickton's crimes continues to impact Canadian society profoundly.
If you're as interested in the crimes of Robert Pickton as I am, I'd recommend this book by Stevie Cameron that outlines his life in detail.
Stay safe!