Pickton evidence importance” : “Victim families fight to save evidence from pig farm in unsolved missing women cases

The families of 26 unsolved missing women are urging authorities not to destroy 14,000 pieces of evidence that were found on the pig farm of serial killer Robert (Willie) Pickton. The DNA of these women was discovered on the property, but no one has been convicted in their deaths. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has asked the court for permission to dispose of the exhibits, claiming that they no longer have any investigative value.

Jeannie DeVries, whose mother Sarah went missing when she was just seven years old, is one of the family members fighting to keep the evidence. She believes that with advancements in DNA testing, the evidence could be crucial in solving other cold cases or linking to future developments. DeVries and other relatives of the missing women are concerned that destroying the evidence will prevent them from ever getting answers or seeing justice served.

Robert Pickton was convicted of murdering six women, but he was charged with killing 21 more, including Sarah DeVries, whose charges were stayed and never heard at trial. The DNA of six other women was also found on his farm, but no charges were laid in those cases. Pickton bragged about killing 49 women to an undercover officer.

The RCMP argues that only a small number of the exhibits belonged to the missing women and will be returned to their families. They claim that the remaining items, which range from clothing to furniture, cannot be linked to anyone and will be destroyed in a culturally appropriate ceremony planned by a local First Nation.

However, family members and advocates argue that evidence that has not been identified should be kept, as it may be crucial in future investigations. They feel that the RCMP should have communicated with them about the decision to dispose of the evidence and are calling for a halt to the destruction until further discussions can take place.

Sasha Reid, a law student and former psychology instructor, has been instrumental in bringing attention to the issue. She has amassed a database of 12,000 unsolved missing and murdered people in Canada and has been tracking the RCMP’s applications to dispose of evidence related to the Pickton case. Reid believes that the items could be important in the future, particularly in the case of an unidentified victim referred to as Jane Doe.

As the debate continues, families of the missing women hope that their pleas will be heard, and the evidence will be preserved until further investigations can be conducted. They remain determined to find answers and see justice served for their loved ones.