How Robert Pickton Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Robert Pickton continue to shape the world today.

Robert William Pickton, a Canadian pig farmer, is a convicted serial killer. Known as the "Pig Farmer Killer," he is believed to have murdered at least 26 women, many of whom were sex workers from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Pickton confessed to 49 murders to an undercover RCMP officer. In 2007, he was convicted on six counts of second-degree murder and received a life sentence with no possibility of parole for 25 years, the maximum sentence for second-degree murder in Canada at that time.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1997: Attempted Murder Charge Dropped

In 1997, an attempted murder charge against Pickton was dropped, this information was revealed in 2010 when the Crown attorney officially stayed the remaining 20 murder charges.

January 27, 1998: Attempted Murder Charge Against Pickton Stayed

On January 27, 1998, the attempted murder charge against Pickton was stayed. Prosecutors determined that Wendy Lynn Eistetter, a drug addict, was too unstable for her testimony to help secure a conviction.

December 9, 2007: Jury Finds Pickton Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

On December 9, 2007, the jury found Pickton not guilty on six counts of first-degree murder, but guilty on six counts of second-degree murder.

December 11, 2007: Pickton Sentenced to Life in Prison

On December 11, 2007, Pickton was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 25 years after reading eighteen victim impact statements.

2007: Conviction of Second-Degree Murder

In 2007, Robert Pickton was convicted on six counts of second-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 25 years, the longest possible sentence for second-degree murder under Canadian law at the time.

July 30, 2010: Supreme Court of Canada Dismisses Pickton's Appeal

On July 30, 2010, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered its decision dismissing Pickton's appeal and affirming his convictions. The argument for a new trial was unanimously rejected.

August 4, 2010: Remaining Charges Stayed

On August 4, 2010, the remaining 20 charges against Pickton were stayed.

August 2010: Publication Ban Lifted and Public Outcry

In August 2010, the publication ban imposed during Pickton's trial in 2006 was lifted, revealing details of the investigation and trial. Journalist Jerry Langton highlighted public outrage over the police's handling of the case, citing concerns of racism, sexism, and bias against marginalized groups.

2010: Remaining Murder Charges Stayed

In 2010, the Crown attorney officially stayed the remaining 20 murder charges against Pickton. This allowed previously unrevealed information to be made public, including a 1997 attempted murder charge that had been dropped. The prosecutors stated that staying the additional charges made the most sense since Pickton was already serving the maximum sentence allowable.

November 19, 2012: Missing Women Commission of Inquiry Report Submission

On November 19, 2012, the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry submitted its final report to the Attorney General regarding the disappearances and murders of women in the Downtown Eastside.

May 2013: Civil Lawsuit Filed by Victims' Children

In May 2013, the victims' children filed a civil lawsuit against the Vancouver Police Department, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Crown for failing to protect the victims.

March 2014: Settlement Reached in Civil Lawsuit

In March 2014, a settlement was reached in the civil lawsuit filed by the victims' children. Each child was compensated C$50,000, without admission of liability.

2015: Production Begins on Film 'Full Flood'

In 2015, production began in Vancouver by CBC-TV on a film with the working title of 'Full Flood', based on Stevie Cameron's book 'On The Farm'. The film was to use the life experiences of Pickton's victims for a fictional story. Robert Pickton was portrayed by Ben Cotton in the film.

September 2016: National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Formed

In September 2016, as an extension of The Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, the Government of Canada formed the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

2016: Film Released as 'Unclaimed' and 'On the Farm'

In 2016, the film that began production as 'Full Flood' was released under the title 'Unclaimed', and also as 'On the Farm' in certain markets.

2016: Publication of 'Pickton: In his Own Words'

In 2016, the purported autobiography 'Pickton: In his Own Words' was released, initiating controversy and government action to stop Pickton from profiting from the work.

November 17, 2023: 'Pig Killer' Film Released in Select Theaters

On November 17, 2023, 'Pig Killer', a biopic about Robert Pickton, written and directed by Chad Ferrin and starring Jake Busey, was released in select theaters.

2023: Pickton Property Fenced Off

As of 2023, the Pickton property remained fenced off under lien by the Crown in Right of British Columbia.

2024: Robert Pickton's Death in Prison

In 2024, Pickton died after being attacked in prison by another inmate. The discovery of Pickton's crimes sparked widespread outrage and forced the Canadian government to acknowledge the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

2024: Controversy over 'Pickton Farms' T-Shirt

In 2024, the comedy troupe Danger Cats faced controversy for selling T-shirts online with a caricature of Pickton headlined with "Pickton Farms" and a tagline trivializing the victims. Shows were canceled, and the shirt was removed from their store after public outrage and condemnation from the British Columbia premier.

July 2025: Martin Charest Charged with First-Degree Murder

In July 2025, Martin Charest was charged with first-degree murder for the attack on Robert Pickton. He pleaded guilty, stating he did it for Pickton's victims.

2025: Dexter: Resurrection References Pickton

In 2025, the TV series 'Dexter: Resurrection' referenced Robert Pickton as "The Pig Farmer" in regard to a character hosting parties with serial killers, twisting the events held at Pickton's farm.

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