Overview

• As closing arguments were set to begin, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Ker confirmed the defence’s written concession that Rogelio ‘Butch’ Bagabuyo killed Mohd Abdullah while asking for a manslaughter verdict.
• The Crown says Abdullah hired Bagabuyo in 2016 to conceal large sums during a separation, and that the lawyer spent the money on personal expenses.
• Prosecutor Ann Katrine Saettler argues Bagabuyo faced potential prison and disbarment once the missing funds came to light, providing a motive for first-degree murder.
• The Crown alleges Bagabuyo placed Abdullah’s body in a tote and enlisted a neighbour’s grandson—unaware of the contents—to rent a van and help move it.
• Abdullah, a lecturer at Thompson Rivers University, was found in 2022, and Bagabuyo was arrested on March 18 shortly after the discovery.