A Canadian judge began hearing evidence on Monday to decide whether a pig farmer should stand trial on accusations he is the country’s worst serial killer.
Provincial court Judge David Stone must decide whether the evidence against Robert William Pickton is sufficient to warrant a trial on 15 charges of first-degree murder.
Pickton (53) known as ”Farmer Willy” to local residents and Vancouver prostitutes, is accused of killing 15 women, mostly prostitutes and drug addicts from the western city of Vancouver. They were among more than 61 women who have gone missing since 1978 from the city, 35 kilometres west of Port Coquitlam.
The hearing, which is open to the public, is expected to last between three and six months, and a trial could be held as early as next year. Details of the hearing however are covered by a publication ban and cannot be released.
Pickton was ushered into court wearing a striped new sweater and casual white shoes. In court, he took notes on a legal pad, and glanced once or twice to the spectators in the courtroom. Among those who came to the hearing were families of the victims, who have criticised police for dragging their feet in investigating their disappearances.
For 11 months, police have conducted a massive search of Pickton’s pig farm, where they found human remains, but have been tight-lipped about further details. Ernie Crey, whose sister, Dawn, disappeared in 2000 from Vancouver, has appeared faithfully at most of the court procedures for Pickton.
Crey pointed out that half the missing women are indigenous, as he is. While his sister had not been directly connected to Pickton’s case, he said, he wants to bear witness and ”show that someone cared enough to be there.”
Added Albert Schwab, a resident of Port Coquitlam: ”I wouldn’t be in his shoes.”
Monday’s hearing had been delayed as lawyers wrangled over whether it should be open to the public. Stone ruled last month that it should be open as Canadian law forbids publication of any details. – Sapa-AFP