In the first-degree murder trial of a former lawyer in Kamloops, British Columbia, the Crown attorney asserted that the accused meticulously orchestrated the killing of his client over a span of more than a week. Ann Katrine Saettler disclosed to a Vancouver judge at the B.C. Supreme Court that Rogelio “Butch” Bagabuyo had penned a “planning note” instructing himself to bag all items, ditch his mobile phone and E-watch, disable GPS, and dispose of his trash.
Bagabuyo stands accused of first-degree murder in the slaying of his client, Mohd Abdullah, a lecturer at Thompson Rivers University, on March 11, 2022. His defense lawyer, Mark Swartz, acknowledged on Monday that Bagabuyo confessed to the killing but claimed it was manslaughter.
The court learned that Abdullah had retained Bagabuyo in 2016, and they colluded to conceal substantial amounts of money during Abdullah’s separation from his spouse. Saettler referenced a forensic accountant’s testimony, indicating that Abdullah transferred over $780,000 to Bagabuyo between 2016 and 2022, with 63% of the funds originating from Abdullah.
Saettler pointed out that Bagabuyo postponed returning Abdullah’s money for years, citing various excuses such as setting up shell corporations or concerns regarding the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). Abdullah’s impatience to retrieve his funds was evident from emails and an audio recording from 2021 where he pressed Bagabuyo about the money.
The Crown’s argument posited that Bagabuyo realized on March 1, 2022, that he could no longer deceive Abdullah and concocted a plan. Saettler highlighted that Bagabuyo was not reporting any income to the CRA, had accumulated substantial debt, and was facing scrutiny from the Law Society. She contended that Bagabuyo knew the grave consequences if Abdullah discovered the truth, compelling him to plot the murder.
To demonstrate premeditation, Saettler presented a video showing Bagabuyo purchasing a tote from Home Depot, identical to the one where Abdullah’s body was eventually found. She argued that buying such a sizeable tote for storing legal papers was unreasonable and aligned with the Crown’s assertion of planned murder.
Saettler detailed the events leading to Abdullah’s demise, indicating that Bagabuyo lured him to the law office, which was under renovation post-fire, and fatally stabbed him. Evidence showed Bagabuyo bringing a duffel bag into the office building before the meeting, containing tools for the murder and cleanup.
Following the murder, Bagabuyo wrapped Abdullah’s body in plastic sheeting, placed a garrote around his neck, secured him in the bin, and transported the body in his car. Saettler highlighted gaps in Bagabuyo’s backyard camera footage and his purchase of items for body disposal, suggesting meticulous planning.
Bagabuyo sought a neighbor’s help to dispose of Abdullah’s body after authorities contacted him about Abdullah’s disappearance. Saettler underscored Bagabuyo’s calm demeanor during police interactions, indicating his awareness of the gravity of the situation. Bagabuyo was arrested the day after Abdullah’s body was found inside the tote by the neighbor’s grandson and has been on bail since July 12, 2023.
A conviction for first-degree murder carries a life sentence without parole for 25 years. The B.C. Law Society disclosed that Bagabuyo no longer practices law, with a custodian appointed to wrap up his legal affairs.