Stefanski testifies for 2nd day as Crown challenges account of ex-wife’s death

Vitali Stefanski admitted in court that he forced his ex-wife, Tatjana Stefanski, into his vehicle on April 13, 2024, the day before she was found dead. The admission came during the second day of his cross-examination in the Crown's case against him for second-degree murder.

“

You pushed her in the car, right?

Security footage showed Stefanski and Tatjana at her Lumby home on April 13. Her body was discovered the following day near the 25-km mark on a forest service road near Mabel Lake. Stefanski testified that he was concerned about Tatjana's well-being, stating she appeared distressed due to harassment, and he intended to take her to the RCMP detachment.

“

Yeah.

Crown prosecutor Laura Drake challenged Stefanski's narrative, questioning why he did not ask Tatjana if she wanted to go to the police. Stefanski agreed he pushed her into the car and did not ask her. He later testified that Tatjana began bleeding in the vehicle, prompting him to change course and look for a hospital. He claimed she stabbed herself with a fishing knife that was in the car.

“

You didn’t ask her if she wanted to go to the police, right?

Drake also questioned Stefanski about why he did not call 9-1-1 when Tatjana was bleeding. Stefanski stated he was "really scared" and "not thinking about it," adding that in a normal situation he would have called for help. He testified that he had never seen such injuries before and did not know what number to dial in that moment. Court previously heard Tatjana was found with 21 sharp-force injuries.

“

I was not thinking about it.