MONTREAL — Nearly a year after the death of serial killer Robert Pickton, no charges have been filed against the inmate who allegedly assaulted him. Pickton died in a hospital on May 31, 2024, following an attack at the Port-Cartier maximum security prison on May 19, 2024. The 74-year-old was serving a life sentence for six counts of second-degree murder, with suspicions of many more killings linked to his pig farm in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) first reported a “major assault” on an inmate on May 20, 2024, stating that “the assailant has been identified and the appropriate actions have been taken.” It was later confirmed that the injured inmate was Pickton, who succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Quebec provincial police have identified the suspect as a 51-year-old inmate but have not released his name. As of this week, the investigation remains open. “Some expert reports are still ongoing. As this is an active file, we will not comment further,” the Sûreté du Québec stated in an email. A spokesperson indicated that the police file has not yet been submitted to the Quebec Crown prosecutor’s office, which will determine if charges will be filed.

Audrey-Anne Bilodeau, a police spokesperson, noted that investigations can take longer when the suspect is already incarcerated, as there is no immediate risk to the public. Meanwhile, the CSC has indicated that it plans to release the results of its investigation into Pickton’s death “in the near future.” Spokesman Kevin Antonucci explained that time was needed to ensure the findings were fully translated and vetted in accordance with the Privacy Act.

Advocates for prisoners’ rights have raised concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding Pickton’s death, emphasizing the need for improved inmate security. Catherine Latimer, of the John Howard Society, expressed her worries, stating, “We’re concerned about a number of deaths that have occurred at the hands of other prisoners without any clear answers.”

Latimer referenced a fatality report from Alberta Justice Donna Groves regarding the 2011 death of a 21-year-old inmate who was killed by another inmate at the Edmonton Institution. The report questioned why two rival gang members were allowed out of their cells simultaneously, despite orders to keep them apart. Groves has called for a public inquiry into the incident, citing concerns about the actions of prison guards that day.

Latimer pointed out that Pickton’s case highlights a serious issue regarding the exposure of “incompatible or vulnerable prisoners” to those who may wish to harm them. She noted that Pickton would likely have been considered vulnerable due to the nature of his crimes.

Tom Engel, former president of the Canadian Prison Law Association, echoed these sentiments, stating that Pickton’s notoriety would have placed him at a higher risk of assault. “The question has to be asked, well, how could this happen when he’s at high risk?” Engel said, suggesting that the responsibility may lie with correctional staff.

Engel expressed little surprise at the lack of charges thus far, explaining that investigations can be prolonged, partly due to reluctance from correctional staff and inmates to cooperate with police. The announcement of Pickton’s death last year was met with mixed reactions, with some families of victims expressing feelings of “healing,” “overjoyed,” and “justice” regarding the death of a man who targeted vulnerable women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, many of whom were Indigenous.

However, Engel emphasized the importance of addressing the treatment of inmates. “Members of the public who believe in human rights, who believe in the rule of law, who believe that the Criminal Code of Canada applies to everybody should care about this,” he said. He added that ensuring the safety of inmates is crucial, as most will eventually be released back into society.