Chapter 8 – The Shredded Truth: Systemic Failure in the Pickton Case

How does one of Canada’s most prolific serial killers operate for
decades—right under the noses of law enforcement?





In this shocking chapter, we expose the catastrophic
investigative failures, missing files, and destroyed evidence
that let Robert Pickton slip through the cracks again and again.
From the near-fatal stabbing of a woman in 1997 to mounting
reports of sexual assault, abduction, and witness testimony—none
of it was enough to stop him. Why?





We’ll take you deep into a timeline of missed opportunities and
institutional negligence: a Crown file destroyed in violation of
a 75-year retention policy, barrels suspected to contain human
remains never opened, and crucial DNA evidence simply ignored.





You’ll also hear about early warnings going back to the
1980s—including whispers of snuff films, missing babysitters, and
a freezer allegedly holding body parts—long before Pickton became
a household name.





With insight from forensic psychologist Dr. Rachel Toles, we also
confront the chilling possibility that Pickton began killing far
earlier than authorities admit—perhaps as early as the 1970s.





Was this just incompetence? Or a much darker cover-up?





This episode lays out the evidence, the failures, and the
haunting question at the heart of the case: Who was protecting
Robert Pickton—and why?


Milestone Events That Should Have Triggered Action –
Chronological Breakdown




1983–1985




Pauline Johnson’s murder – Her body was
found near the Pickton property. Pickton was considered a
person of interest due to proximity and ownership of
boning knives. No charges laid.






Early to Mid-1980s




Allegations of assault and kidnapping
linked to Pickton emerge, but no formal charges or
follow-ups.






Late 1980s




Babysitter disappears after working on
the Pickton farm. A woman named Kathy allegedly contacted
police, but no investigation followed.






1989




Sexual assault in Surrey – Pickton was
named a suspect.
Case file later destroyed, eliminating critical early
evidence of violent behavior.






1991




Nancy Clark disappears from Victoria.
Her DNA is later found on Pickton’s farm—suggesting he
was active years earlier than officially acknowledged.






1997 – Attempted murder of "Miss Anderson"




She was stabbed four times by Pickton,
managed to escape, disarmed him, and even stabbed him in
self-defense.
Pickton was arrested and charged with attempted
murder.
Charges stayed in 1998 due to her addiction issues. No
victim protection or support offered.
Crown file destroyed in 2000 or 2001—a violation of
mandatory 75-year file retention.






1999 – New Westminster sexual assault




Another sex worker was sexually assaulted and
strangled but survived. Willing to testify. No
charges filed.






1999 – Burnaby threat




A woman recognized Pickton, stated he had threatened her.
Again, no follow-up.






1999 – Barrel deliveries observed




Police witnessed Pickton delivering barrels to
West Coast Reduction, a rendering
plant.
Despite tips suggesting he was disposing of human
remains, no inspection was done.






August 1999




RCMP considered a search warrant and
wiretap, but the Crown advised against it.
Affidavit was drafted.
Never submitted.






January 2000 – Voluntary RCMP interview




Pickton was not read his rights, and
his friend answered questions for him,
compromising the interview. No usable intel gained.






2000 – Pickton offers DNA search




He voluntarily offered police to search his
property for DNA. They declined.






August 1999 & April 2000 – Sex worker
surveys




Multiple women identified Pickton and described
disturbing encounters.
This information was not communicated effectively across
investigative teams.






February 6, 2002 – Firearm search warrant




Pickton’s property was searched for illegal
firearms, not murder.
Discovery of disturbing evidence led to a second warrant
and massive crime scene investigation.