Vitali Stefanski found guilty of second-degree murder in B.C

Vitali Stefanski, 49, has been found guilty of second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of his ex-wife, Tatjana Stefanski, in Lumby, British Columbia. The incident occurred on April 13, 2024, after Stefanski pushed the victim into his vehicle and drove away.

Following a month-long trial, the jury delivered a swift guilty verdict. While both first-degree and second-degree murder convictions in Canada carry mandatory life sentences, the distinction significantly impacts parole eligibility. Those convicted of first-degree murder must serve at least 25 years before applying for parole, whereas second-degree murder convictions allow for parole applications after 10 to 25 years, as determined by the judge.

Justice Brad Smith is scheduled to determine Stefanski’s parole eligibility during sentencing on November 12 and 13. The decision to charge Stefanski with second-degree rather than first-degree murder has drawn public scrutiny, particularly from the victim’s partner, Jason Gaudreault, who advocated for the higher charge.