A former lawyer from Kamloops, B.C., has confessed to the killing of his client, Mohd Abdullah, but his defense team argues that the act was not premeditated. The trial at the B.C. Supreme Court revealed that Abdullah had hired the lawyer, Rogelio (Butch) Bagabuyo, in 2016 to hide significant amounts of money during his separation from his wife.
Over seven years, Bagabuyo spent more than $780,000 that Abdullah had transferred to him. The court learned that Bagabuyo delayed returning the money by creating false reasons such as setting up shell corporations or referencing concerns with the Canada Revenue Agency.
During the closing arguments, Bagabuyo’s lawyer, Mark Swartz, stated that Bagabuyo had disclosed to Abdullah on March 11, 2022, that the money was gone, leading to a confrontation that resulted in Abdullah’s death. Swartz emphasized that there was no evidence of threats from Abdullah prior to this meeting.
Swartz portrayed the killing as unexpected, and Bagabuyo’s subsequent actions, including enlisting a friend to help dispose of the body, were described as decisions made in the heat of the moment. The defense argued that the purchase of items like a hacksaw after the murder indicated a lack of prior planning.
Bagabuyo was arrested on March 18, 2022, after the discovery of Abdullah’s body. The prosecution alleged that Bagabuyo meticulously planned the murder, pointing to the purchase of a large tote before the incident and a note found with instructions on how to handle the aftermath.
However, Swartz contended that the tote was for office files, and the note was a result of panic rather than premeditation. He also disputed the use of a garrote, suggesting it was not integral to the crime but possibly used post-mortem to move the body.
The defense countered claims that Bagabuyo chose his law office as the murder site, highlighting the presence of contractors due to renovations after a fire. Swartz argued that Bagabuyo had no prior knowledge of the office’s activities and could have avoided suspicion by choosing a different location if the murder was planned.
Bagabuyo, initially charged with indignity to human remains and later with first-degree murder, has been on bail since July 12, 2023. The trial’s final arguments are set for Thursday.
