By Canadian Press

Police watchdog investigates RCMP over threats against B.C. woman, later found dead

May 24, 2024 | 3:57 PM

SURREY, B.C. — British Columbia’s police watchdog has launched an investigation into the RCMP’s handling of alleged threats made five months ago against Tatjana Stefanski, who disappeared from her home in April and was later found dead.

The Independent Investigations Office says it is probing the police response to a December 2023 incident in Lumby, in the B.C. Interior, and that the Lumby and Vernon RCMP detachments received a report “indicating concern for the safety of a woman.”

Stefanski’s husband Jason Gaudreault has told The Canadian Press he and Stefanski, 44, went to police about death threats against her, months before she vanished from their home on April 13 and was found dead the next day.

He says the “extreme” threats to leave Stefanski in a “body bag” were delivered via a messaging app to Stefanski’s father.

The investigations office says it will now seek to determine what if any role police action or inaction may have played in the woman’s death.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Are the B.C. Conservatives digging their own graves?

5h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

Dec 14, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

It says investigations into the death are being conducted by RCMP Southeast District Major Crimes Unit and the BC Coroners Service.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2024.

The Canadian Press