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Vitali Stefanski, ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski whose body was found two years ago in a rural Lumby area, has pleaded not guilty to her murder.
Stefanski made the plea in B.C. Supreme Court in Kamloops Monday, May 25.
Jury selection wrapped up on Monday and the trial is continuing Tuesday, when the court is expected to hear the start of evidence.
Tatjana Stefanski, 44, was last seen at a Lumby property on April 13, 2024. Police said she had been abducted and her body was found by officers in a rural Lumby area the next day.
A man believed to be involved in Tatjana’s death was arrested that day in the general vicinity but was released from custody on conditions.
Vitali was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on May 31, 2024, and has been in custody ever since.
The jury trial is expected to last approximately five weeks, according to the BC Prosecution service.
Vitali’s murder charge has yet to be proven in court.