Vitali Stefanski, a Canadian man, is on trial for second-degree murder in the death of his ex-wife Tatjana Stefanski. According to prosecutors, when police investigating Tatjana's disappearance found Vitali on a remote logging road near Mabel Lake, he allegedly said, 'That is my car - I am the reason you're here.' When asked where his ex-wife was, he reportedly admitted, 'Yes, she is dead. Yes, I have killed her.'
Details of the Case
Tatjana Stefanski, a 44-year-old mother of two, was last seen on April 13, 2024, walking across her driveway toward her ex-husband. The next day, police located a black Audi believed to be involved, with blood on the seats later confirmed to be Tatjana's. After staking out the vehicle overnight, Vitali emerged from the woods shoeless. His trial at British Columbia Supreme Court began with Crown Prosecutor Rigel Tessman outlining the evidence.
Injuries and Evidence
A pathologist will testify that Tatjana died from multiple stab wounds, including a chest wound and six to her rib cage that pierced her heart and lung. She also had defensive wounds on her legs, arms, and hands. Surveillance footage from a storage facility showed two figures entering a black car and leaving. Vitali allegedly told his children, ages 9 and 16, that they were 'alone in the world now.'
Community Impact
The murder has shaken the town of Lumby. Tatjana's partner, Jason Gaudreault, now cares for the children, who are expected to testify. A fundraiser organized by family friend Jen de Bourcier has raised over $1,000 CAD to support them. The trial is expected to last five weeks.
