Murder trial of former B.C. lawyer concludes, decision to be given in Kamloops

Brieanna Charlebois · The Canadian Press

· Posted: Oct 09, 2025 9:06 PM EDT | Last Updated: October 10

The first-degree execution proceedings of a erstwhile Kamloops, B.C., lawyer accused of sidesplitting his lawsuit has concluded astatine the B.C. Supreme Court successful Vancouver.

Rogelio (Butch) Bagabuyo is accused of sidesplitting Mohd Abdullah, a lecturer astatine Thompson Rivers University, connected March 11, 2022.

Justice Kathleen Ker told the tribunal connected Thursday, aft closing arguments and rebuttals had concluded, that she felt it was due that the determination beryllium fixed successful Kamloops, wherever Abdullah was killed.

The proceedings heard that Abdullah hired the then-lawyer successful 2016 and they conspired to fell wealth during Abdullah's separation from his wife, but Bagabuyo spent much than $780,000 siphoned to him.

Crown authoritative Ann Katrine Saettler said successful closing arguments that the accused methodically planned the execution for much than a week aft helium realized helium would nary longer beryllium capable to fool Abdullah, who was getting progressively impatient astir getting his wealth back.

Defence lawyer Mark Swartz said the decease was "unexpected" and portion his lawsuit admits to sidesplitting Abdullah astatine his office, helium maintains it was manslaughter.

Bagabuyo was arrested connected March 18, 2022, the time aft the assemblage was discovered wrong a tote by the grandson of an unsuspecting person who helium had enlisted to rent a van and assistance find a spot to hide the tote.

Bagabuyo was initially charged with indignity to quality remains, past charged much than a twelvemonth aboriginal with first-degree murder.

The B.C. Law Society says he's nary longer a lawyer.

Bagabuyo has been retired connected bail since July 12, 2023.