A British Columbia murder trial heard dramatic testimony this week as a man accused of killing his former wife denied responsibility for her death while acknowledging that he was with her during the events leading up to her fatal injuries.
Vitali Stefanski took the witness stand in B.C. Supreme Court in Kamloops, where he is facing charges in connection with the death of his ex-wife, Tatjana Stefanski, whose body was discovered near a forestry road outside Lumby, British Columbia, in April 2024.
During his testimony, Vitali Stefanski told jurors that he did not kill his former wife. He claimed that while the two were travelling together in his vehicle, he noticed Tatjana holding his fishing knife and pulling it away from her abdomen. He described seeing her in distress in the passenger seat and later noticing blood.
The court has previously heard evidence that Tatjana Stefanski suffered multiple fatal stab wounds and other sharp-force injuries before her body was found down a steep embankment near a remote forestry road.
According to Stefanski’s testimony, he attempted to drive toward a hospital after noticing her condition. He said that at some point she became unresponsive and that her body later ended up outside the vehicle. When he tried to assist her, he claimed she slipped and rolled down the embankment, causing him to panic.
Jurors heard that Stefanski admitted throwing items from the vehicle, including the knife, because he feared nobody would believe his version of events. Investigators later recovered a bent and blood-stained knife near the victim’s body. The court has heard that DNA belonging to both Tatjana and Vitali Stefanski was found on the weapon.
Earlier testimony from police officers indicated that Stefanski was encountered alone and without shoes on a forestry road shortly after the incident. Officers told the court that he allegedly made statements indicating he had killed his former wife and had attempted to take his own life.
The trial also heard evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding Stefanski’s personal life at the time. He testified that he was preparing to move, was unemployed, lacked permanent housing, and was separated from his children.
Video evidence shown to the jury reportedly captured the former couple entering a vehicle together shortly before Tatjana Stefanski disappeared. Stefanski acknowledged that both individuals shown in the footage were him and his former wife.
Under cross-examination, Crown prosecutors challenged several aspects of his testimony. Prosecutors questioned whether he had forced Tatjana into the vehicle, an allegation he denied.
The Crown also focused on a voice message Stefanski allegedly sent to his daughter prior to the death. The court heard that in the message he told his children they would be alone, urged them to stay together, and made critical comments about their mother. Prosecutors suggested the recording amounted to a farewell message, implying premeditation. Stefanski rejected that interpretation.
The case remains before the jury, and cross-examination is continuing. As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations and evidence presented in court have not yet been fully adjudicated, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The trial is expected to continue in the coming days as jurors hear additional evidence and testimony surrounding the circumstances of Tatjana Stefanski’s death.