Charges laid in the death of a Lumby woman

May 31, 2024 | 6:50 PM

Charges have been laid in relation to the death of Tatjana Stefanski.

On April 13, Stefanski was reported as having been abducted from her home in Lumby, and on the 14th police located her deceased body in a nearby rural area.

Police arrested a man in the general vicinity that same day, though he was released from police custody on conditions.

Following a further investigation by the B.C. RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit (SED MCU), evidence was gathered and charged were submitted to Crown Counsel.

Police say on Friday, May 31, Vitali Stefanski, the ex-husband of Tatjana, was charged with Second-Degree Murder.

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“Although this investigation to date has had its many challenges, the recent charges brought against Mr Stefanski are the result of the tireless investigative work done by the members of the SED MCU and Vernon RCMP Detachment,” Staff Sergeant Jason Smart, with the BC RCMP SED MCU, stated.

Police say Stefanski was re-arrested and as of Friday was in custody pending a future appearance before the court.

UPDATE June 3: The BC Prosecution Service said Vitali Stefanski has been detained in provincial court and will remain in custody unless he chooses to schedule a bail hearing in Supreme Court, at which time his custodial status would be determined by the court.

His next appearance in Supreme Court (Vernon Law Courts) is on June 24 at 10 a.m. in courtroom 301.

by Liam Verster

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