B.C. Premier David Eby didn’t mince words after Correctional Services Canada announced that infamous serial killer Robert Pickton had died following an assault in prison roughly two weeks ago.
On Friday afternoon, Eby said his first thoughts were with the families of Pickton’s victims, whose reemergence in the public spotlight may have reopened old wounds, or provided closure for those who were impacted by his crimes.
“It is a difficult day for anyone who lost someone they loved because of his cruelty and heinous crimes,” Eby said.
“Robert Pickton preyed on the most vulnerable people in our society. These women were cast aside as less than equal, and less than worthy because of who they were. We are committed to recognizing the dignity of every person to avoid something like this happening ever again,” he said.
“Good riddance.”
READ MORE: Serial killer Robert Pickton dies following prison assault
Meanwhile, B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth echoed Eby’s sentiments, and stressed that the damage Pickton caused still ripples across B.C. today.
“While we have seen the end of a heinous life, we know that for the families of Pickton’s victims, this news has reopened old wounds and brought back painful feelings and memories,” he said.
“That pain is still being felt today for the families of the victims, and our entire community. I want to assure those affected by his horrific crimes that we are here to offer support,” said Farnworth.
Pickton was assaulted at the maximum security Port-Cartier Institution, about 480 kilometres northeast of Quebec City, on May 19. The attack left him with life-threatening injuries, and on Friday Correctional Services Canada confirmed that Pickton, 74, had died of injuries sustained in the assault.
Pickton was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder in 2007, but is suspected of killing dozens of other women who disappeared from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
The remains or DNA of 33 women were found on his farm, though he had once admitted to an undercover police officer that he had killed 49 people.
Pickton’s six confirmed victims were Georgina Papin, Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe and Marnie Frey.
Last week, advocates for his victims said they were still searching for answers for the dozens of women who were found dead.
Correctional Services Canada notes that a Board of Investigation has been launched reviewing the assault, saying that prisoner safety is a top priority for the organization.
“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. Our thoughts are with them,” said Correctional Services Canada.
With files from The Canadian Press
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