A former attorney from British Columbia convicted of murdering his client has been found guilty of first-degree murder in Kamloops, B.C. Justice Kathleen Ker rendered the verdict after an extensive review of the trial, where she characterized the defendant as a “fraudster” and detailed the circumstances demonstrating that the killing was both intentional and premeditated.
The evidence suggested that Rogelio (Butch) Bagabuyo conspired with his client, Mohd Abdullah, to conceal Abdullah’s assets from his estranged spouse. As Abdullah demanded the return of the money, Bagabuyo realized that his scheme was unraveling and began plotting the murder. He ultimately fatally stabbed Abdullah and removed the body from his office.
The mandatory sentence for first-degree murder is life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 25 years. Bagabuyo, who is no longer practicing law, attended court with a suitcase and remained stoic throughout the trial, declining to address the court when given the opportunity.
Bagabuyo was charged with first-degree murder approximately a year after Abdullah’s death, who was a 60-year-old instructor at Thompson Rivers University. The trial revealed that Bagabuyo and Abdullah colluded to conceal over $780,000 during Abdullah’s separation from his wife, with the funds later depleted for Bagabuyo’s own expenses.
The prosecution asserted that Bagabuyo meticulously planned the murder for over a week, obtaining items like a plastic tote bag and subsequently purchasing a propane tank and hacksaw for disposal of the body. The Crown argued that these actions indicated premeditation and refuted the defense’s claim that the killing was unplanned.
Justice Ker emphasized that Bagabuyo and Abdullah were aware of the illegality of concealing the money and concluded that Bagabuyo had orchestrated the murder, citing various preparatory actions taken in the days leading up to Abdullah’s death. The judge pointed out the deliberate nature of the crime, noting the presence of multiple stab wounds on Abdullah’s body and the discovery of plastic wraps in Bagabuyo’s office.
Bagabuyo was apprehended the day after the body was found and has been on bail since July 12, 2023. The British Columbia Law Society has confirmed that he is no longer practicing law.
