Marlene Yvonne Abignosis -- Missing Since January 1st, 1984*

Missing Person: Marlene Yvonne Abignosis

Details from a government source (might be paraphrased): Marlene Abigosis was last seen in March of 1984 in the downtown east side of Vancouver. Marlene was engaged in a high-risk lifestyle. Marlene was known to work near the docks, and clients who owned boats would take Marlene with them on trips to Washington State and Vancouver Island.

Last contact: January 1st, 1984*

*Disclaimer: when a person is listed as missing on January 1st of a particular year, it can mean that they went missing on any date in that calendar year. 

Last location: Vancouver, BC

Age when Marlene Yvonne Abignosis disappeared: 27

Sex: Female

Height in inches: 66

Weight in pounds (lbs): 119

Ethnicity: Aboriginal/Indigenous

Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: Click the hashtag to see all of the "missing and murdered aboriginal women" profiled at this site

Hair color: Black and wavy shoulder-lengthed hair

Eye Color: Brown

Scar or distinctive characteristic: Nothing found

Link to Government Source (Canada's Missing): 2014001708 (right click to open)

Online discussion page: Marlene Yvonne Abignosis (right click to open)

BMI means body mass index. It is meant to describe someone's healthy body weight relative to the individual's height. It is only food for thought because it does not account for all body types.

Marlene Yvonne Abignosis had a BMI of 19.21. This means that she was at a healthy weight by BMI standards at the time of her disappearance.

Commentary and Research

By: Shane Lambert

Original time of writing: February 11th, 2025

Has Marlene Yvonne Abignosis been found?

At the original time of writing, full research on the case of Marlene Yvonne Abignosis is pending. However, I did want to make some preliminary statements.

Firstly, the Canada's Missing website states that she frequented Vancouver's downtown east side. This is one of the most notorious areas of Canada in terms of clandestine activity and public safety. The epicenter of the area is East Hastings Street.

This is the area that serial killer Robert Pickton frequented. However, Marlene's 1984 disappearance date is still several years earlier than when it is thought that he started disappearing prostitutes from the area.

It is stated that Marlene Abignosis had a high-risk lifestyle. That is normally associated with prostitution, substance abuse, and dangerous associations (ie. people who use drugs or are involved in the trade).

It is also said that she sometimes went in boats with clients to Vancouver Island and Washington State. Unfortunately, this does make you wonder a client disappeared her in water.

Robert Pickton Documentary: Canada's Worst Serial Killer

Author: Shane Lambert

Original time of writing: May 5th, 2024 | Updated: August 22, 2025

Exploring Robert Pickton’s Crimes Through a Gripping Documentary

If you’re searching for a compelling online documentary about Robert Pickton, the notorious Canadian serial killer who targeted women from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, look no further than The Infographics Show on YouTube. Their episode, titled “The Pig Farmer - Canada’s Most EVIL Serial Killer,” was published on November 7th, 2023, and has garnered over 1,000,000 views as of August 2025. This 34-35-minute documentary offers a detailed look into Pickton’s life and crimes, making it a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts.

A Deep Dive into Pickton’s Troubled Life

The documentary traces Pickton’s early years on a farm in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, where he endured abuse and mental trauma. It highlights his struggles as a social outcast among peers, setting the stage for his descent into one of Canada’s most infamous serial killers.

The animated narrative, interspersed with real-life photos, effectively conveys the chilling progression of his crimes, which involved the murder of at least 26 women, many of whom were sex workers from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Pickton was convicted in 2007 of six counts of second-degree murder, though he confessed to an undercover officer that he killed 49 women.

Critical Perspective on Police Handling

A central theme of the documentary is the Vancouver Police Department’s mishandling of the missing women cases. It critiques the systemic bias and negligence that delayed Pickton’s capture, as the disappearances of sex workers were often dismissed.

This perspective aligns with findings from the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, which highlighted “blatant failures” in police investigations, including ignored warnings from a geographic profiler in 1997. After watching, viewers gain a sobering understanding of how societal indifference contributed to the tragedy.

Is There a Movie About Robert Pickton?

While there’s no feature film about Robert Pickton that I’m aware of, online documentaries like this one fill the gap. The Infographics Show’s episode stands out with its well-written narrative and engaging animation, complemented by real-life images of key figures in the case. It strikes a balance between informative storytelling and visual appeal, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, it was published in the months before Pickton's death so details about the end of his life are not in the documentary.

Recent Developments in the Pickton Case: Death in Prison

In May 2024, Robert Pickton was attacked in a Quebec prison and died from his injuries, as reported by CTV News and other sources. This event marked the end of a dark chapter, but it also reignited discussions about justice for his victims. Families of the victims expressed mixed emotions, with some feeling closure and others believing his death prevented further answers.

You see this kind of division a lot when a serial killer dies. People don't necessarily shed tears but they realize that the murderer took answers to important questions to the grave.

Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside: A Troubled Area

Having lived in Greater Vancouver for about five years, including a month in a hotel in the East Hastings area, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Known as one of Canada’s most troubled neighborhoods, it’s marked by homelessness and poverty, exacerbated by the city’s mild winter climate compared to cities like Edmonton or Montreal. The documentary underscores how this destitute environment, coupled with societal neglect, allowed Pickton to target vulnerable women for years. It’s a stark reminder of the need for systemic change to protect marginalized communities.

Why This Documentary Matters

This documentary not only recounts Pickton’s heinous crimes but also sheds light on the broader social and institutional failures that enabled them. It’s a compelling watch for those interested in true crime, Canadian history, or social justice issues. By combining factual storytelling with critical analysis, it leaves viewers with a deeper understanding of the case and its lasting impact.