Summary of Podcast Episode: "Introducing 'Inside the Midnight Order'"

The King Road Killings: An Idaho Murder Mystery
Host/Author: ABC News
Episode: Introducing "Inside the Midnight Order"
Release Date: August 8, 2024

Introduction to "Inside the Midnight Order"

In the premiere episode of Inside the Midnight Order, ABC News Correspondent Kaina Whitworth introduces listeners to a companion podcast for Freeform's true crime documentary series, Sasha Reed and the Midnight Order, now streaming on Hulu. Whitworth sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of one of North America's most notorious murder cases—the Robert Pickton case.

Notable Quote:

Kaina Whitworth [00:30]: "I want you to know about a new series I'm co-hosting. It's called Inside the Midnight Order."

Exploring the Robert Pickton Case

The episode delves into the harrowing details of Robert Pickton, a pig farmer convicted of murdering 49 women. Whitworth interviews key figures who provide insights into the investigation's shortcomings and the broader implications for law enforcement and the community.

Notable Quote:

Nancy Schwarzman [02:36]: "We learned Robert Pickton is dead. It just raises the question, was this a planned hit and why?"

Investigation Failures and Insights from Lorimer Shenher

Lorimer Shenher, former head of Vancouver's Missing Persons unit and author of That Lonely Section of Hell, discusses the critical missteps in the Pickton investigation. He recounts a pivotal moment in 1999 when promising leads were inexplicably shelved, leading to a botched investigation that allowed Pickton to evade justice for years.

Notable Quote:

Lorimer Shenher [10:11]: "The prosecutor had done no interviews for anybody else... it was a really odd call."

Shenher emphasizes the institutional failures within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), suggesting that the narrative they presented to prosecutors was flawed from the outset, ultimately hindering a robust prosecution.

Notable Quote:

Shenher [16:00]: "The RCMP brought a very flawed narrative of the case forward... that's why we saw such a bizarre outcome."

Prosecution Challenges Highlighted by Brian Buckmire

Brian Buckmire, a trial attorney and ABC News legal contributor, provides a legal perspective on the prosecution's decision to limit charges against Pickton. He explains that the legal system often prioritizes "judicial economy," leading prosecutors to focus on cases where they can secure convictions, even if that means not all victims receive justice.

Notable Quote:

Buckmire [19:09]: "It's not what you know, it's what you can prove. Judicial economy dictates focusing on cases that will secure convictions."

Buckmire also addresses the heartbreaking reality for families of the victims whose cases were stayed, highlighting the limited legal recourse available to them under the British Columbia Victims Crime Act.

Notable Quote:

Buckmire [20:52]: "Unfortunately, the short answer is none. This is where you have to advocate and you have to go to the voter's box."

Robert Pickton's Murder in Prison: Conspiracy or Retribution?

The episode takes a speculative turn as Whitworth discusses Robert Pickton's transfer from the Kent Institution in British Columbia to a Quebec prison in 2019, where he was subsequently murdered. Shenher and Buckmire explore possible motives behind Pickton's death, ranging from personal vendettas to broader conspiracies tied to his criminal activities.

Notable Quotes:

Shenher [22:49]: "I think he was part of a much broader... an organized crime operation to eliminate people."

Buckmire [25:23]: "Just like outside of prison, inside of prison there's a hierarchy of crimes... I could see someone putting out a hit on him."

They also discuss the RCMP's controversial move to apply for the destruction of evidence related to the Pickton case, which Shenher believes may have contributed to the decision to eliminate him.

Notable Quote:

Shenher [26:08]: "The RCMP began to bring an application through the courts to destroy all the evidence... I believe that could have contributed to the risk to Robert Pickton."

Current Status and Future of the Case

Whitworth highlights that the Pickton case remains unresolved, especially with his recent death. She shares a statement from Pickton's lawyer, Ian Runkle, expressing hope that more information will emerge despite Pickton's demise.

Notable Quote:

Runkle [28:56]: "There is more to uncover, and I hope that Mr. Pickton's death will not be the end of the case."

Shenher and Buckmire reflect on the implications of Pickton's death for ongoing and future investigations, emphasizing the need for persistent advocacy and legislative support to ensure that other victims receive justice.

Production and Contributors

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team and contributors who brought the episode to life, including Nancy Schwarzman, Camille Peterson, Meg Fierro, Amirah Williams, Jaelyn McDuffie, and others from ABC Audio and Freeform.

Notable Quote:

Kaina Whitworth [31:09]: "This series was produced by Camille Peterson, Meg Fierro, Amirah Williams and Jaelyn McDuffie..."

Key Takeaways

• Institutional Failures: The Robert Pickton case underscores significant lapses in the investigation and prosecution processes, highlighting the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies.

• Legal System Limitations: Prosecutors often face challenges in balancing judicial economy with the pursuit of comprehensive justice for all victims, leaving many families without legal recourse.

• Conspiracy Theories: The circumstances surrounding Pickton's murder in prison open discussions about potential conspiracies and the broader implications of his criminal network.

• Ongoing Investigations: Despite Pickton's death, there remains a collective effort from advocates, law enforcement, and media to uncover more information and provide closure to the victims' families.

• Advocacy and Reform: The episode emphasizes the importance of advocacy in pushing for systemic reforms to prevent future miscarriages of justice and ensure that all victims receive the attention and closure they deserve.

Inside the Midnight Order serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in investigating and prosecuting heinous crimes. Through thorough interviews and expert insights, the podcast seeks to illuminate the shadows left by institutional failures and advocate for a more just and effective system.