Lumby school locks doors after arrest, release over woman's death

The elementary school in the community of Lumby, B.C., is stepping up security measures after a man was arrested, then released during a police investigation into an alleged abduction and the discovery of a woman's body.

In a letter provided to CBC News, School District 22 superintendent Christine Perkins informed families and community members with children at J.W. Inglis Elementary that out of "an abundance of caution," all school doors would be locked during school hours in an effort "to create a secure environment for all."

Perkins said the decision to lock the doors was made by the school district, rather than at the direction of RCMP.

The precaution comes after a man was arrested on Sunday in connection with the discovery of a dead woman in a rural area near the community of around 2,000 people, which is located around 55 kilometres northeast of Kelowna, B.C.

According to RCMP, police were investigating an alleged abduction when they found a "deceased female in a remote location."

In a written release, RCMP spokesperson Kris Clark said a man "believed to be involved in this death was arrested in the general vicinity," and that he was released on Monday "with a series of mandatory conditions to abide by."

The B.C. Prosecution Service said it does not have an active prosecution file in connection to the case, and directed queries back to RCMP.

RCMP has not answered questions about the conditions of the man's release.

Police have not responded to requests for interviews with CBC News.

In the written release, Staff Sgt. Jason Smart of the RCMP's Southeast District Major Crimes Unit said the incident is believed to be "isolated" without further risk to the public.

Community on edge, mayor says

Officials also aren't confirming whether the death is connected to an investigation into a missing person launched Saturday in Lumby.

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In that case, Tatjana Stefanski, 44, was reportedly last seen after 8 a.m. PT Saturday while speaking with her ex-husband, before "departing unexpectedly with him," police said.

Police originally provided the name of the ex-husband but on Tuesday said they had put out incorrect information and the man named in the original release "was never and is in no way connected to our investigation."

Lumby RCMP asked the public Saturday for help locating 44-year-old Tatjana Stefanski. (Facebook)

The release has been updated and still says Stefanski was last seen with her ex-husband.

RCMP have not responded to followup questions from CBC News asking if the missing-person case is still active.

Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton said he has been fielding many messages from community members concerned about the events of the past few days.

"The way things are unfolding isn't the most comfortable feeling for our community," he told CBC Daybreak South host Chris Walker, adding that many people are on edge.

"I mean, it's a small town, so there's lots of talk," he said, adding he has confidence in RCMP's ability to keep the village safe. He encouraged people to focus on facts, rather than rumour, about what has happened.