Prosecutors said Robert Pickton admitted to killing 49 people. Getty Images
Martin Charest, charged with first-degree murder, plans to plead guilty for the death of notorious serial killer Robert Pickton. The killing happened inside a federal prison in Port-Cartier in May 2024.
Charest is accused of attacking Pickton with a broken broom handle, pushing it into Pickton’s face. Pickton died days later in hospital from his injuries at age 74.
Court Hearing Delayed for Guilty Plea
During a court appearance on Wednesday, Charest indicated through his lawyer that he intends to plead guilty. However, the court struggled to hear him clearly due to a Plexiglas barrier in the maximum-security prison.
The court postponed the case until September 25, when Charest is expected to formally register his guilty plea.
Background on Robert Pickton
Robert Pickton is one of Canada’s most infamous serial killers. In 2007, he was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder. However, Pickton admitted to killing up to 49 women, mostly vulnerable individuals he lured to his pig farm near Vancouver.
His crimes shocked the country and brought attention to issues of missing women and law enforcement investigations.
Incident in Prison
The attack occurred at the Port-Cartier federal penitentiary, where Pickton was serving his sentence. According to authorities, Charest broke a broom handle before using it as a weapon against Pickton.
The act resulted in severe injuries that led to Pickton’s death days later in hospital.
Next Steps
The court will hear Charest’s formal guilty plea at the next scheduled date. The case remains a high-profile one due to Pickton’s criminal history and the unusual nature of the prison attack.
