Inmate Admits to Murdering Serial Killer Robert Pickton in Prison
An inmate, Martin Charest, has admitted to murdering convicted serial killer Robert Pickton while both were serving time at the Port-Cartier maximum-security federal penitentiary in May 2024. Charest stated that he killed Pickton due to the latter's continued bragging about his heinous crimes.
The Guilty Plea and Motivation
Charest pleaded guilty to first-degree murder during a court appearance in Sept-Îles, Quebec. He confessed to fatally assaulting Pickton with a broken broom handle. In his statement, Charest said, "I killed Robert Pickton for the victims. I know that we can't take justice into our own hands, but I killed him for the victims, not for myself."
Details of the Assault
The court heard details of how Charest locked himself in a room with Pickton on May 19, 2024. He manipulated the door lock, making it difficult for prison staff to enter. Charest then knocked Pickton to the ground, punching and kicking him. When guards released gas into the room, Charest grabbed a broomstick and stabbed Pickton, breaking the handle in his head. Pickton never regained consciousness.
Pickton's Death and History
Robert Pickton died 12 days later, on May 31, 2024, at the age of 74. His cause of death was "blunt polytrauma." Pickton had been convicted in 2007 of six counts of second-degree murder, but confessed to killing 49 women whom he lured to his pig farm near Vancouver.
Charest's Statement and Sentencing
Charest told the judge that Pickton continued to speak "loud and clear" about his crimes and expressed intentions to continue committing crimes if released. Charest stated he "lost control" after Pickton made a disturbing comment about cannibalizing a child of one of his victims. He expressed no remorse and confirmed that pleading guilty was his own choice. Charest was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
Aftermath and Prison Recommendations
Prosecutor Mélissa Hogan stated that there would be no victim impact statements on Pickton's behalf. Superior Court Justice Carl Thibault acknowledged the severity of Pickton's crimes but emphasized that he had the right to serve his sentence in safety. Correctional Service Canada convened a board of investigation following Pickton's death and issued three recommendations to reduce the accessibility of items that could be used to jeopardize security within the prison.
