Based on coverage from The Star, Castanet, Sudbury.com, and Yahoo News.
A second-degree murder trial in Kamloops has been delayed right at the finish line after the accused, Vitali Stefanski, split with his lawyer just before closing arguments. Stefanski will now represent himself as the jury moves into the final stage of the case.
B.C. Supreme Court Justice Bradford Smith told jurors the change happens “from time to time” and warned them not to speculate or “draw any negative inferences” from the delay.
Kamloops trial delayed before closing arguments
Jurors learned about the switch on Tuesday afternoon, a day after closing arguments were originally supposed to happen. The judge directed the jury to return for closing arguments on Wednesday, June 24.
Stefanski had been represented by Vancouver lawyer Tony Lagemaat, but that relationship has ended. One report notes Stefanski had previously been sitting in the prisoner’s box, but was at the counsel table when the jury came in Tuesday, underscoring that he’s now acting as his own lawyer.
To help keep things running properly, an amicus curiae (a “friend of the court”) is expected to be appointed. That person can assist with technical and legal procedures, but will not advise Stefanski the way a defence lawyer would.
Tatjana Stefanski killing near Lumby
The case centres on the death of Tatjana Stefanski, 44, whose body was found off a forest service road near Mabel Lake on April 14, 2024. That was the day after she disappeared from her home in Lumby, B.C.
The jury has heard she was stabbed seven times in the chest, with several wounds piercing her heart and lungs.
The trial began May 25 in B.C. Supreme Court in Kamloops. Vitali Stefanski has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his ex-wife.
Crown relies on forensic evidence and confession claim
The Crown’s case has leaned heavily on forensic evidence. Jurors have heard about blood found in an Audi sedan connected to the case, a knife recovered nearby, and expert pathology evidence that Tatjana Stefanski died from multiple sharp-force injuries.
Police and prosecutors also allege Stefanski confessed to killing her. According to testimony described in the reports, he emerged shoeless from the forest and encountered officers as his car was being towed, a day after Tatjana Stefanski disappeared.
Vitali Stefanski testimony and defence explanation
Stefanski testified in his own defence last week. He told jurors Tatjana Stefanski stabbed herself with his knife inside his Audi.
On another key point, he denied dumping her body. He testified that she “slipped from his grasp by the road.”
He also told the court he did what he could to get her medical help after driving away with her from her home on April 13, 2024. He said he drove in the opposite direction of the nearest hospital because his car was parked facing that way.
Both the Crown and defence had closed their cases last week, with the defence case resting after Stefanski’s cross-examination ended.
What happens next for the jury
The next step is closing arguments, now scheduled for June 24, with the Crown expected to go first. After that, the judge will instruct the jury on the law before jurors begin deliberations.
If Vitali Stefanski is found guilty of second-degree murder, he faces an automatic life sentence, with no chance of parole for at least 10 years.
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