Police issue clarification on names in missing person’s case

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and BC RCMP have issued a clarification on two of the names in a news release issued last weekend in regards to a missing person in the Lumby area that later led to a woman’s body being recovered.

“Following the initial release on April 13, 2024, police learned the incorrect name of the ex-husband associated to the missing person was released to the public,” Staff Sgt. Kris Clark, senior media relations officer, said.

Clark said the name has now been removed from the publication.

“To address this inaccuracy, the RCMP would like to clarify that the person initially named, Vitali Steffen, was never — and is in no way — connected to our investigation,” Clark stated.

Additionally, the spelling of the missing person’s name, Tatjana Stefanski, has also been change to reflect the correct spelling.

Family members confirm Stefanski’s body was located by police Sunday on the Mabel Lake Forest Service Road, with the investigation ongoing and no charges laid as yet.