Few details have emerged about the killing last week of a Chilliwack man, but the Times has learned the victim was to be a witness in an unlawful confinement and robbery case currently before the courts.
Chilliwack RCMP were called to the residence of Stefan Kondolay just after 4 a.m. on July 10 where he was found dead. The death was immediately deemed suspicious and the file was passed to the RCMP Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
Kondolay did not have a criminal record.
The 31-year-old and his father are well-known in the B.C. drag-racing community, and numerous comments and tributes have been posted on racing websites about the death.
“You will not be forgotten Stefan as many local racers strive to accomplish even half of what you did on the track,” said Speedzone Magazine editor Dean Murdoch in an online posting.
Kondolay was also mourned in the local football community, as he was a community football player in Chilliwack and his parents were active volunteers with the Chilliwack Huskers.
The family run a specialty car-parts business in Abbotsford called Diesel Transmission Technology.
The IHIT team had a section of First Avenue in front of Kondolay’s home blocked off for more than a day. A team of officers was also seen Friday on Ashwell Drive.
An IHIT spokesperson said police continue to investigate and they could not comment on the evidence, a motive or any persons if interest.
• Anyone with info or who might have heard or seen something suspicious is asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-4448, email ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit solvecrime.ca.