In the wake of the tragic homicide of Tatjana Stefanski in North Okanagan, her family has been forced into hiding due to safety concerns. The suspect in her killing was arrested but promptly released on conditions, igniting outrage and concern within the community.
Days after his release, the suspect was reportedly seen near Stefanski’s home, prompting her family to flee with her children and partner, Jason Gaudreault. Gaudreault has been actively sharing his family’s plight on social media, expressing their constant fear and the overwhelming challenges they face.
The community of Lumby, where the incident occurred, is reeling from the tragedy. Many residents are expressing frustration with the authorities’ handling of the case, particularly the suspect’s release. Mayor Kevin Acton has voiced concerns about the town’s vulnerability and the need for enhanced safety measures.
Outrage has also been voiced by Jen De Bourci, a family friend of Stefanski. De Bourci emphasizes the need for the family to feel safe and grieve without fear. She, however, urges the community to focus on advocating for legal changes rather than lashing out at law enforcement.
De Bourci credits Gaudreault for his perspective, highlighting that he believes the RCMP has been supportive within the limits of the law. He advocates for legal reforms to empower law enforcement to protect individuals more effectively.
The RCMP has clarified that the threshold for charge approval is significant and that they cannot hold individuals indefinitely during investigations. Corporal James Grandy stated that suspicious death investigations are complex and time-consuming.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the community is rallying to offer support to Stefanski’s family. A vigil is planned for Friday at Oval Park in Lumby to honor her memory and show solidarity with her loved ones. Community members are encouraged to participate in the vigil, which will be held in a safe public area with the involvement of the RCMP.
