A former attorney from Kamloops, British Columbia, has confessed to the killing of his client, Mohd Abdullah. However, the defense asserts that the act was not premeditated and that the evidence presented during the trial does not support a first-degree murder charge against him.
Rogelio (Butch) Bagabuyo stands accused of the murder of Mohd Abdullah in 2022. The trial at the B.C. Supreme Court revealed that Abdullah had enlisted Bagabuyo’s services in 2016, and they collaborated to conceal substantial amounts of money during Abdullah’s divorce proceedings. Over a span of seven years, Bagabuyo reportedly spent over $780,000 that Abdullah had transferred to him.
The court learned that Bagabuyo had postponed returning Abdullah’s money for several years, citing reasons such as the necessity to establish shell corporations or concerns regarding the Canada Revenue Agency. Bagabuyo’s lawyer, Mark Swartz, asserted during closing arguments that Bagabuyo had admitted to Abdullah on March 11, 2022, that the funds were no longer available. This revelation allegedly led to a fatal altercation between the two individuals.
Swartz contended that Abdullah had not threatened Bagabuyo before their meeting on March 11, but the situation would have undoubtedly caused distress, frustration, and anger for Abdullah, given that his life savings were entrusted to Bagabuyo.
Regarding the events following the killing, Swartz described the incident as unexpected, with Bagabuyo improvising his actions. This was exemplified by his actions post-killing, such as enlisting the help of an elderly acquaintance to rent a van and locate a suitable place to dispose of the body. The defense argued that this demonstrates a lack of a concrete plan on Bagabuyo’s part.
The Crown, however, alleged that Bagabuyo meticulously orchestrated the murder over a week and should be convicted of the most severe charge. Evidence presented by the prosecution included the purchase of a large tote before the murder, a note found on the accused individual outlining post-murder instructions, and the methodical disposal of Abdullah’s body.
Swartz countered these claims by suggesting that the tote was procured for office use and the note was created as a post-mortem disposal reminder, not as a murder plan. The defense emphasized that Bagabuyo’s actions were more indicative of panic and improvisation rather than calculated planning.
The trial continues, with final arguments expected to take place on Thursday. Bagabuyo, initially charged with indignity to human remains in 2022 and later with first-degree murder in 2023, has been on bail since July 12, 2023.