Robert Pickton Killed in Prison With Broken Broom Handle, Investigation Reveals

A federal investigation has revealed disturbing details about the fatal assault of B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, who died in custody following a violent prison attack at Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec.

The board of investigation report, released Friday, says Pickton was first attacked on May 19, 2024, during medication distribution. While guards intervened initially, the inmate later broke a broom handle and thrust it into Pickton’s face.

Pickton was rushed to hospital and later airlifted to a facility in Quebec City, where he remained in critical care until his death on May 31, 2024.

The report found that cleaning tools like mops and brooms were not kept in locked cabinets, allowing inmates unrestricted access. In response, a project is underway to better secure cleaner storage rooms to prevent future misuse.

Pickton, 74, had been serving a life sentence since 2007 for the second-degree murders of six women. He had been at Port-Cartier — a maximum-security prison — since 2018. A further 20 first-degree murder charges were stayed in 2010.

The report also found that the wrong family member was initially notified of Pickton’s death, as it was unclear if Pickton knew his designated next of kin had changed contact details.

No criminal charges have been laid so far, and the Quebec Coroner’s Office has yet to file a final report.

A second report by an independent observer confirmed the assailant was inmate Martin Charest, and said the investigation was handled “meticulously” and with “professional integrity.”