Serial killer Robert Pickton in critical condition after prison assault

Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton has been hospitalized and is in critical condition after he was assaulted in prison on Sunday.

Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton has been hospitalized and is in critical condition after he was assaulted in prison on Sunday.

The Correctional Services of Canada (CSC) confirmed in a statement Tuesday that Pickton was the victim of a major assault at the maximum-security Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec.

Pickton was taken to a hospital for treatment. The incident did not involve staff, according to the CSC.

"We are not able to disclose any additional details, including medical information," the statement reads. "The safety and security of institutions is paramount and an investigation into what occurred is currently underway."

Quebec provincial police, the Sûreté du Québec, are investigating.

Two sources, including one police source, confirmed with Radio-Canada say Pickton is between life and death.

Authorities identified the assailant, who is another inmate, and "appropriate actions have been taken," the CSC said in an earlier statement.