The Prosecutors Podcast – Episode 335: The Murders of Robert Pickton Part 2

Release Date: November 10, 2025
Hosts: Brett and Alice

Episode Overview

In this harrowing conclusion to their two-part series, Brett and Alice examine the trial, conviction, and aftermath of Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton, responsible for the disappearance and murder of dozens of women—many of whom were members of vulnerable communities in Vancouver. The episode is both a detailed legal breakdown and a somber memorial to Pickton’s victims, grappling with the failures of the justice system, the trauma inflicted on loved ones, and the lasting impact on Canadian law enforcement. The hosts delve into trial logistics, defense and prosecution strategies, victims’ stories, evidence, systemic failures, and Pickton’s prison death, providing legal expertise alongside human empathy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Framing the Horrific Scope of the Case

• Pickton’s Murders in Context: The hosts immediately note the staggering scale and brutality of Pickton’s crimes. Spanning decades, dozens—possibly up to 49—women vanished.
  • Alice (03:33): "This might be one of the most disturbing cases I've ever seen."
• Trial Overview: Pickton was tried for 26 murders (one unknown victim's charge later dropped), with his trial split into two for manageability.
  • Alice (04:31): "The court actually decides to divide the case in two trials... The sheer volume of devastation he has caused is truly shocking."

2. The Trial – Gruesome Evidence and Emotional Toll

• Jury Trauma: The psychological impact on jury members faced with months of gruesome testimony and evidence is highlighted.
  • Brett (06:02): "Jury duty is truly a public service, because some of the things you have to see if you serve in a case like this, you will never forget."
• Opening Statements and Confessions: Prosecutors played Pickton’s chilling recorded admission of having killed 49 women, lamenting he didn’t reach an 'even 50.'
  • Alice (07:08): "Pickton's jailhouse confession, where he states that he killed 49 women and was disappointed he didn't make it to an even 50."
• Key Testimony: Lynne Ellingson, a former associate, testified to seeing a woman’s body hanging in the barn—reflecting the direct, damning evidence tying Pickton to the crime scene.
• Defense Tactics:
  • Attacking Eyewitnesses: Questioned credibility of Ellingson's testimony.
  • Diffuse Responsibility: Argued Pickton’s property was frequented by many, implying others could be responsible; raised the possibility of his brother's involvement, citing his fingerprints found at the crime scene.

3. Verdict and Sentencing

• The Controversial Second-Degree Verdict:
  • After week-long closings and deliberations, Pickton was found not guilty of first-degree murder, but guilty on six counts of second-degree murder.
  • Alice (14:37): "When jury deliberations ended...the jury foreman stood up and announced that Pickton was not guilty. First degree murder. As you can imagine, the courtroom erupted in disbelief."
  • Brett (16:05): "So what exactly do you think happened? Like you think he killed him and tripped?... Second degree murder, I mean, what is the—"
• Sentencing: Life imprisonment with six sentences running concurrently, and parole eligibility after 25 years.
  • Alice (17:48): "Serving six life prison sentences concurrently with no eligibility for parole for the maximum of 25 years for what he did."

4. The Appeals and Systemic Failures Exposed

• Appeals: Defense argued for a mistrial over jury instructions. The conviction was upheld (2010), but only narrowly.
• Inquiry and Reforms:
  • The "Forsaken" report detailed systemic law enforcement failures, especially neglect against marginalized women (notably sex workers and Indigenous women).
  • Brett (20:29): "They note blatant failures by the police, including inept criminal investigative work compounded by police and societal prejudice..."
  • Triggered procedural changes: immediate investigations, better family communication, keeping cases open, establishing a specialized missing persons unit.

5. Prosecution Drops Additional Charges

• No Prosecution for 20 Additional Murder Charges: Out of respect to resource allocation and since Pickton could not serve further time, the remaining cases were not pursued, deeply wounding families of many victims.
  • Alice (24:26): "This is truly devastating, not just for those 20 women, for the other, you know, up to 49 women who won't really ever get justice in the eyes of the law."
• Unknown Victims: DNA remains found for women who remain unidentified.

6. Victims – Lives and Evidence

• Alice and Brett emphasize that the victims must not be reduced to statistics, sharing biographical sketches and specific evidence for each.

  • Serena Abbotsway: Foster child, activist, evidence: remains and possessions found on-site.
  • Brenda Wolf: Not believed to be a sex worker, her DNA found in Picton's bedroom and on crime implements.
  • Mona Wilson: Indigenous background, heroin dependence, found dismembered.
  • Marnie Frey: Young mother, struggled with addiction, remains located outside slaughterhouse.
  • Georgina Pappin: Mother of seven, evidence: hand bones buried under the platform.
  • Andrea Josbury: Youngest, moved to Vancouver as a teen, evidence: remains and jewelry on-site.

• Patterns in Evidence: Landscapes of hair, jewelry (bagged and hidden), DNA on clothing, tools, ground pork, sex toys, and surfaces throughout Pickton’s home and farm.

  • Alice (43:59): "You're seeing these repeated things. They're all in his bedroom. He uses the saw, he uses the same liner, the same workshop freezer. He keeps their earrings and their jewelry hidden in the same bag..."

• Additional Charges – Briefly outlined: dates of last sighting, major DNA findings, items linking each woman to the site (38:56–49:35).

7. The Broader Family Context and Moral Dynamics

• Brett (50:08–53:46): Raises questions about David Pickton's knowledge/involvement, referencing a fatal vehicular incident in David’s youth and family attempts to cover up the crime—a window into the family's moral code and capacity for concealment.

8. Closure, Parole Attempt, and Death in Custody

• Pickton in Prison and His Death: Eligible for parole in 2024, he expressed his intent to continue killing. On May 19, 2024, Pickton was killed by fellow inmate Martin Charrist, who reportedly acted after hearing Pickton brag about his crimes and intent to "reach 50."
  • Brett (54:34): "On May 31, 12 days after the attack, Robert Willie Pickton died. He was 74 years old."
• Legacy and Reflection: The hosts emphasize that his monstrous acts were extraordinary; not inevitable despite a nightmarish upbringing.
  • Alice (60:28): "You can have very, very difficult and horrendous...childhoods. It does not excuse what this is. It helps explain how humanity can take such a dark turn. But I do not believe that it is inevitable."

9. Lasting Impact and Needed Reforms

• Enduring Message: The case stands as a devastating example of how societal neglect for the most marginalized can abet monstrous crimes and delay justice—but also how tragedy can catalyze crucial change.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alice (03:33): "We need this levity before we start because this might be one of the most disturbing cases I've ever seen."
• Brett (06:02): "Jury duty is truly a public service, because some of the things you have to see if you serve in a case like this, you will never forget."
• Alice (07:08): "Pickton's jailhouse confession, where he states that he killed 49 women and was disappointed he didn't make it to an even 50."
• Brett (16:05), on the verdict: "So what exactly do you think happened? Like, you think he killed him and tripped? ...Second degree murder, I mean, what is the—"
• Alice (24:26): "This is truly devastating...for the other, you know, up to 49 women who won't really ever get justice in the eyes of the law."
• Brett (54:34): "I think that, obviously, I don't think you could do the things that Robert Pickton did unless you were also very sick. But it certainly didn't help that this was the example...You hit somebody with a truck. Well, we need to cover that up. Right. Because their life doesn't matter."
• Alice (60:28): "You can have very, very difficult and horrendous...childhoods. It does not excuse what this is. It helps explain how humanity can take such a dark turn. But I do not believe that it is inevitable."

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment/Topic | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 01:13 | Introduction & case framing | | 04:31 | Timeline of murders & scope of trial | | 06:02 | Jury trauma, prosecutorial overview of evidence | | 07:08 | Pickton’s confession and opening statements | | 08:27 | Lynne Ellingson’s testimony and crime scene evidence | | 13:50 | Prosecution v. defense tactics | | 14:37 | Long closings; verdict delivery & courtroom reaction | | 16:05 | Hosts’ candid reaction to second-degree verdict | | 17:48 | Sentencing and immediate legal aftermath | | 18:30 | Appeals and judicial errors | | 20:29 | Official inquiry, the 'Forsaken' Report, policing reforms | | 24:26 | Decision not to proceed with additional murder charges | | 26:36 | Discussing the victims: lives and evidence | | 38:56 | Extended review of all DNA evidence for additional victims| | 50:08 | Discussion of David Pickton and family code | | 54:34 | Pickton’s prison attack and death | | 60:28 | Discussion on evil, culpability, and fate | | 63:36 | Outro reflections on serial killer cases |

Tone & Style

This episode is delivered in Brett and Alice’s signature blend: a mix of straightforward legal experience, dark humor as coping mechanism, and deep empathy for the victims and their families. They maintain an accessible, conversational tone while never minimizing the horror or complexity of the case.

For Listeners

• This episode is essential for those interested in true crime, legal process, or social justice reform.
• The meticulous recounting of victims’ stories ensures that each woman’s life is honored, not lost in the shadows of Pickton’s infamous cruelty.
• The discussion provides a critical lens on systemic failures and the necessity of institutional change—all against the backdrop of one of the most unsettling mass murder cases in North American history.