Pig Farmer Enters Plea In Killings Of Prostitutes
Associated Press
Sunday, December 10, 2006; Page A25
VANCOUVER, B.C., Dec. 9 -- A pig farmer alleged to be Canada's worst serial killer pleaded not guilty Saturday to charges of murdering women from Vancouver's seediest streets.
Robert "Willie" Pickton, accused in the deaths of at least 26 women, stood and softly said, "Not guilty," as the name of each of six alleged victims was read in court.
About 600 potential jurors were being called in Saturday. Justice James Williams has ruled that the trial will be divided into two parts, with the first six counts being tried first.
The gruesome allegations against Pickton fall under a publication ban that prevents news media from revealing details of the alleged crimes until opening arguments Jan. 8.
Journalists covering the preliminary hearings have been so haunted by the courtroom disclosures that some have sought psychological help.
What can be reported is that Pickton, 56, was arrested in February 2002 by police investigating the disappearances of sex-trade workers from Vancouver's grubby Downtown Eastside district. Health officials later issued a tainted-meat advisory to neighbors who may have bought pork from his farm, concerned that the meat may have contained human remains.
Pickton and his brother, Dave, used to throw parties at the hog farm in a barn they had dubbed the "Piggy Palace," telling neighbors they were raising money for charity. Investigators, however, have said the events were drunken, drug-fueled parties with prostitutes.
