Tatjana Stefanski of Lumby went missing on April 13 after an alleged abduction by her ex-husband. A day later, RCMP located what is believed to have been her body on Mabel Lake Forest Service Road. (submitted photo/Facebook)

By Pete McIntyre

Update

RCMP comment on releasing person of interest in woman’s homicide from custody

Apr 16, 2024 | 12:28 PM

As RCMP continue to investigate the homicide of a Lumby woman as part of an alleged abduction this past weekend, the police force has commented on why a man who they believe was involved in her death was released from custody.

Tatjana Stefanski, 44, was allegedly abducted by her ex-husband on Saturday, April 13, and her body was located by police on the Mabel Lake Forest Service Road a day later.

Staff Sargeant Kris Clark, senior media relations officer with the RCMP’s E Division, said he understands the public concern over a potential suspect being released from custody, but adds police do not have the authority to detain someone indefinitely without charges, which is the case at this point.

“Suspicious death investigations are complex and can take time,” Clark told Vernon Matters. “I think everyone would agree that our focus should be to ultimately hold the person responsible for the woman’s death accountable.”

Clark also said the man who was arrested is subject to conditions which are one of the mechanisms police and the courts can use to mitigate potential risks to the public.

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“In cases where a person fails to abide by their conditions, additional measures may be sought through the courts,” Clark stated.

Vernon Matters contacted the BC Prosecution Service to see if any charges in this case have been recommended to them by the RCMP, and Damienne Darby, communications counsel with the BCPS, said they had not received a file from RCMP as of 12 p.m. on Tuesday.

Police have not officially provided the victim’s name, but a RCMP news release on April 13 said 44-year-old Tatjana Stefanski was last seen that morning while speaking with her ex-husband, Vitali Steffen, at a home on Highway 6 before departing unexpectedly with him in his vehicle which was later recovered.

A news release from the RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit on April 15 said the death was suspicious, and likely a “result of foul play,” with the investigation ongoing.