Butch Bagabuyo leaving Kamloops Law Courts on April 24, 2025. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

murder trial

Bagabuyo trial shifts to Vancouver; bail conditions adjusted

May 9, 2025 | 4:28 PM

KAMLOOPS — Now proceeding out of Vancouver, the first-degree murder trial for former Kamloops lawyer Rogelio ‘Butch’ Bagabuyo resumed Friday (May 9).

The details are protected by a court-ordered publication ban, but Bagabuyo’s bail conditions have been reset by Justice Kathleen Ker.

Bagabuyo is accused in the homicide of his former client, Mohd Abdullah. Abdullah was stabbed to death on March 11, 2022, and it’s alleged the killing took place at Bagabuyo’s law office in downtown Kamloops.

Abdullah and Bagabuyo were scheduled to meet that day in the lawyer’s office, allegedly to discuss Abdullah’s attempts to get his money back after he and Bagabuyo arranged to hide more than $700,000 from his ex-wife during Abdullah’s divorce proceedings. Crown previously stated a forensic accountant is expected to testify to the funds being spent on Bagabuyo’s personal living expenses.

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Bagabuyo has been out on bail since July of 2023, and today saw adjustments made to those conditions. Bagabuyo will be required to wear an ankle monitor, cannot leave the province and is under 24/7 house arrest at the rental he’ll be staying at in Vancouver. He will be allowed to leave with written permission from a bail supervisor for emergencies, and certain time frames to get groceries, do laundry and to attend church.

When proceedings in Vancouver wrap up, Bagabuyo will also be required to return to Kamloops.

The murder trial is set to resume Monday (May 12) out of Vancouver Law Courts.