A witness has testified in a British Columbia murder trial that they saw the suspect's car parked along a remote forest service road near Mabel Lake. The trial, which is being held in Vancouver, is examining the death of Tatjana Stefanski, a 44-year-old woman whose body was discovered in the Mabel Lake area on April 14, 2024, a day after she went missing.
Witness Account
The witness, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, told the court that they were driving along a forest service road on the east side of Mabel Lake on the afternoon of April 13, 2024. They noticed a vehicle that matched the description of the suspect's car parked in a turnout. The witness stated that they did not see anyone near the vehicle at the time but found it unusual because the area was isolated and rarely used by the public.
Prosecutors allege that the suspect, whose name has not been released, was involved in Stefanski's disappearance and death. The defense has not yet presented its case, but the trial is expected to continue for several weeks.
Background of the Case
Tatjana Stefanski was last seen on April 12, 2024, after leaving her home in Lumby, B.C. Her disappearance prompted a large-scale search involving police, search and rescue teams, and community volunteers. Her body was found two days later in a wooded area near Mabel Lake, approximately 30 kilometers east of Lumby. An autopsy later confirmed that she died from blunt force trauma.
The suspect was arrested in May 2024 and has been in custody since. The trial is being heard by a jury, and the proceedings have drawn significant attention from the local community.
Other News Highlights
In other news from British Columbia, a stolen vehicle was burned on a golf course in Saanich, and the province's anti-gang unit arrested four individuals in connection with an alleged casino cheating plot. Additionally, a fire destroyed a long-term care facility under construction in the province, triggering evacuations.
