Overview
- In closing arguments, the defence said Rogelio “Butch” Bagabuyo killed Mohd Abdullah during an unplanned struggle after admitting the client’s money was gone.
- Defence counsel argued a handwritten note and a large tote were used after the death to deal with the body rather than to plan a murder, citing what they described as panicked actions.
- Prosecutor Ann Katrine Saettler told the court the note instructed Bagabuyo to avoid tracking devices and dispose of items, and she pointed to purchases of a tote, a propane tank and a hacksaw as evidence of premeditation.
- The Crown presented video of the tote purchase and said an unsuspecting neighbour rented a van at Bagabuyo’s request before the neighbour’s grandson discovered Abdullah’s body inside the container on March 17, 2022.
- Bagabuyo acknowledges the killing occurred at his law office, he was arrested March 18, 2022, he has been on bail since July 12, 2023, and he is no longer practising law per the B.C. Law Society.