Ernie Crey and sister Lorraine leave courthouse in New Westminster, B.C., Dec. 20, 2004 after a hearing for accused serial killer Robert Pickton. The Creys lost their sister Dawn whose DNA was discovered on the Pickton farm.Chuck Stoody/CP
Family members of the victims murdered by serial killer Robert Pickton have received $1.25-million in support from the B.C. government, The Globe and Mail has learned.
The government has paid for counselling, funeral costs and travel expenses and hotels to attend Mr. Pickton's trial and the current Missing Women's Inquiry. The government has also paid out up to $10,000 to some of the victims' family members as compensation for the death of their relative.
But the support has not quelled the demand for more.
Ernie Crey, one of the most outspoken family members, said he believes the government is trying to avoid court-imposed settlements to civil lawsuits that may be launched once the current government inquiry into the police investigation of Mr. Pickton is completed.
"They are trying to buy insurance against future legal action resulting from the botched investigation," said Mr. Crey. His sister, Dawn Crey, vanished from the Downtown Eastside in November, 2000. Investigators found her DNA on Mr. Pickton's farm and police have said that they believe Mr. Pickton killed her. "I'm very disappointed they are doing it," he said in an interview.
Mr. Crey said he would not accept an offer of compensation if he was required to sign away his right to sue police and the government. "Many families are of modest means and the sum of money [offered by the government]may be appealing to these families," he said. "I find it appalling."
Others questioned why the government did not pay the same amount to all family members. Lori-Ann Ellis, sister-in-law to Cara Ellis, another Pickton victim, said some people received $10,000 while others were given $5,000. "We're not quite sure why," she said in an interview.
She has been the member of the Ellis family most involved in following Mr. Pickton's fate and the government inquiry. As a sister-in-law and not an immediate relative, she was not eligible for compensation from the government, she said. However, she was puzzled why children from a previous marriage of Cara Ellis's stepfather each received payments, she said.
Lilliane Beaudoin, sister of victim Dianne Rock, said Ms. Rock's mother, sisters, brothers and five children each received compensation of various amounts. Four children were given $5,000 each and one child received $7,000, she said in an interview.
Rick Frey, whose daughter Marnie was among six women Mr. Pickton was convicted of killing, was critical of the government for making settlements in private with each family. "There are too many deals struck with individual families and no one knows what the hell is going on," he said.
Mr. Frey said he feels the government should treat everyone equally. "What is good for one is good for everybody," he said.
Attorney-General Shirley Bond was not available for an interview. However, an e-mail from ministry staff stated that government support totalling $1.25-million has been provided to family members during the police investigation, Mr. Pickton's trial and appeals, and during the current inquiry.
The B.C. government's crime victim assistance program provides financial assistance to immediate family members of victims of violent crime.
Compensation paid to family members was for pain and suffering, the ministry e-mail stated. Dependent children received payments for loss of love, guidance and affection. WorkSafe BC, the workers compensation board, adjudicated the claims, a ministry staff member said.
Several family members are currently attending the hearings of the government-appointed inquiry into why police did not arrest Mr. Pickton before February, 2002. Dozens of women disappeared in the years before Mr. Pickton was arrested. Mr. Pickton is serving a life sentence for the second-degree murder of six women. Investigators found DNA of 33 women on his family's pig farm. He has said he killed 49 women.