Crime & Safety

Ex-Husband Pleads Not Guilty in Redmond Massage Therapist's Death

Aleksandr Polak, who was extradited from Los Angeles last week, pleaded not guilty this week to a charge of first-degree murder in the death of his ex-wife, Nataliya Vabishchevich, in in her Bellevue condominium.

Written by Venice Buhain

Aleksandr Polak pleaded not guilty this week to a charge of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his ex-wife, Nataliya Vabishchevich, in in her Bellevue condominium, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Polak is accused of stabbing to death the 35-year-old Redmond massage therapist on June 17 in her home at the Tenth Place at Bellevue condominium complex, according to the charging papers. An autopsy showed that she had been stabbed more than 72 times, according to court papers.

Vabishchevich, who was a massage therapist at two chiropractic offices in Bellevue and Redmond, was discovered that morning by a coworker who was concerned when she didn't show up for work.

The couple, who divorced in 2007, had a son, who was at his middle school in Bellevue when his mother was killed.

Previous coverage:
Man Charged in Bellevue Homicide of Ex-Wife Returns from LA
Bellevue Woman Killed: "People Cared About Her So Much"
Bellevue Woman's Ex-Husband Charged with Her Murder 
Foul Play Suspected in Bellevue Woman's Death
Memorial Fund Established for Bellevue Homicide Victim

Polak, who had returned to the Seattle area within the past few months, was arrested June 20 in Los Angeles. Police interviewed Polak initially in the hours after the discovery of Vabishchevich's body. 

Bellevue police investigators then followed Polak to southern California, where he traveled via Greyhound, according to court documents. Passengers told police that Polak said he was heading to Europe through Mexico, according to court documents. 

A memorial fund at BECU has been set up to help with the needs of Vabishchevich's son. The account number is 3595359437, according to Pure Chiropractic of Bellevue, one of the two chiropractic clinics. She also worked at Eastside Life Chiropractic in Redmond.

Polak is being held without bail at the King County Jail, according to the prosecutor's office. A case setting hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. at the King County Courthouse.


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