Second-Degree Murder Trial of Vitali Stefanski Nears Conclusion in B.C. Supreme Court
The second-degree murder trial of Vitali Stefanski is nearing its conclusion in the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Kamloops, as the jury begins its deliberations following closing arguments and the judge’s final instructions.
Stefanski Accused of Killing Ex-Wife Tatjana Stefanski
Stefanski stands accused of killing his ex-wife, Tatjana Stefanski, whose body was discovered on a steep embankment along a north Okanagan forestry road on April 14, 2024. She had been reported missing the day before her body was found. The Crown alleges she died from multiple stab wounds.
Stefanski Delivers Own Closing Arguments
In a notable turn during the proceedings, Stefanski delivered his own closing arguments to the jury after exhibiting demeanor in his own defense throughout the trial. Speaking for well over an hour, he urged the jury to find him not guilty.
“I’m going to make my case today that I’m not guilty and you should believe me. I’m not guilty,” Stefanski told the jury.
He dismissed much of the evidence presented by the Crown, including an RCMP statement alleging that he confessed to the murder when officers encountered him on the forest road. “That statement that she was dead and I killed her, I never said that,” he told the jury. “That statement doesn’t exist, so it doesn’t exist and he has no evidence that it exists.”
Defense Claims Self-Inflicted Injuries
Stefanski testified during the trial that his ex-wife stabbed herself. In his closing argument, he pointed to the absence of fingerprints on window regulators and door handles as evidence supporting his claim that she caused the fatal injuries herself.
“Otherwise she will try to open the door, call for help, run away or something else,” Stefanski argued to the jury.
Security video presented during the trial showed the former couple talking at the end of Tatjana Stefanski’s driveway in Lumby before prosecutors alleged Stefanski forced her into his vehicle and drove away.
Family and Friends Await Justice and Closure
Tatjana and the defendant shared two children, both of whom testified at the trial. Gaudreault, who holds legal guardianship of both children, said the entire ordeal since Tatjana’s death and the process of reliving the tragedy during the trial has been unbearably painful.
In addition to justice, Gaudreault expressed hope that the conclusion of the trial will bring a sense of closure. “Maybe I can breathe a sigh of relief again and start a whole new life with my and Tatjana’s children and just move on,” Gaudreault said.
Jen de Bourcier, a family friend who was present for most of the trial, echoed those sentiments. “I just really want this to be over for her and for myself, you know, even if it’s just one friend. It’s just that waiting, just kind of the tension of waiting for justice to be served.”
Judge Issues Final Instructions to Jury
The trial, which began on May 25th, saw the judge spend several hours delivering final instructions to the jury on Thursday afternoon. The jury subsequently entered deliberations, and a verdict is now pending.
