The Elko County sheriff’s office is still investigating the apparent murder/suicide that claimed the lives of Ruby Mountain Film Festival founders Kurt and Stacie Stefka.
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According to a Sheriff’s Detective Jim Carpenter 911 operators received a frantic call from a man, later identified as Kurt Stefka, that his wife had been shot as the couple struggled for control of a handgun.
Dispatch was advised by Stefka that he was attending to his wife and that she did not shoot herself it happened when they were arguing over the firearm. Stefka disconnected with Elko Dispatch, and while several attempts were made to call back with no answer.
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When deputies and medical personal from the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) and Elko County Ambulance arrived they the couple Stacie Stefka 42, and Kurt Stefka 48 years of age and both of Spring Creek on the floor of the residence bleeding.
Kurt Stefka was transported the Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital, and later pronounced deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Stacie Stefka was pronounced deceased at the residence from a single gunshot wound.
Kurt Stefka a freelance videographer and Stacie Stefka were the founders and driving force behind the Ruby Mountain Film Festival which premiered this August in Elko.
While the festival reported it grossed around $50,000, the costs involved were rumored to be much higher and it was unknown whether the event would be repeated next summer.
On its facebook page this was published: The Ruby Mountain Film Festival’s Executive Board and volunteers are deeply saddened by the tragic events that led to the passing of Kurt and Stacie Stefka on November 11, 2011. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and Stacie’s students. The loss of our cofounders has affected us all. RMFF’s leaders will be meeting in the weeks ahead to discuss the future of the organization and to determine the best way to honor their vision and memory. Please check back for updates on the 2012 Ruby Mountain Film Festival.
Stacie Stefka was also a second grade teacher at Elko’s Southside Elementary.
This sounds like Mr. Stefka was innocent and he was only trying to disarm his wife but it has been said that he threatened her life if she ever left him I without a doubt know if was murder. He was my abusive ex-boyfriend!