It appears as though the search for Tatjana Stefanski has come to a tragic end.
A release from the BC RCMP says that North Okanagan RCMP found the body of a woman in a rural location on Sunday while investigating the alleged abduction of Stefanski from Lumby.
“A male believed to be involved in this death was arrested in the general vicinity,” the release explained.
As is often the RCMP’s modus operandi with sensitive cases like this, the release failed to confirm whether the deceased woman is Stefanski or the suspect is her ex-husband Vitali Steffen.
It did, however, say that the suspect has been released from police custody with a series of mandatory conditions to abide by.
It also clarified that the Southeast District Major Crime Unit (SDMCU) has assumed conduct of the investigation and believes that the woman’s death is the result of foul play.
“At this juncture, investigators believe that this incident is isolated and that no threat to the public exists,” explained S/Sgt. Jason Smart.
Stefanski’s boyfriend, Jason Gaudreault had taken to social media following her disappearance to accuse Steffen of abducting the 44-year-old woman on Saturday morning.
