BURSTWARNING: this article contains content related to a domestic violence murder trial which may be distressing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been harmed by domestic violence (gender-based violence), contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
The second-degree murder trial of Vitali Stefanski, accused of killing his ex-wife, Tatjana Stefanski, is underway in Kamloops.
Tatjana, 44, was last seen at a Lumby property on April 13, 2024. Police said she had been abducted and her body was found by officers in a rural Lumby area the next day.
A man believed to be involved in Tatjana’s death was arrested that day in the general vicinity but was released from custody on conditions.
Vitali was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on May 31, 2024, and has been in custody ever since.
A jury trial is expected to last approximately five weeks, according to the BC Prosecution Service.
The trial began in Kamloops Supreme Court Monday, May 25. The Kamloops Court Registry said Friday that jury selection will take place Monday and could stretch into Tuesday.
The trial was relocated from Vernon to Kamloops late last year, after a judge decided that Vitali would not be able to reasonably participate in his trial if it were to be held in Vernon, according to the Prosecution Service.
Jason Gaudreault, Tatjana’s partner, has been following the case closely and spoke out against the trial’s relocation.
“Today is the day we start to have closure,” Gaudreault said on social media Monday. “Thank you everyone who is following and supporting us through trial.”
Vitali’s murder charge has yet to be proven in court.