A Kamloops lawyer has admitted to killing his client but argues that the charge should be reduced to manslaughter. Rogelio "Butch" Bagabuyo is on trial for the first-degree murder of Mohd Abdullah. As closing arguments began, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Ker confirmed that Bagabuyo's defense acknowledges the killing but seeks a conviction for the lesser charge.

Crown lawyer Ann Katrine Saettler presented evidence indicating that Abdullah hired Bagabuyo in 2016. The two men allegedly conspired to conceal large sums of money during Abdullah's separation from his wife. However, Bagabuyo reportedly misused the funds for personal expenses. Saettler stated that Abdullah became frustrated with the situation and sought to reclaim his money. Bagabuyo, aware of the potential consequences, including imprisonment and disbarment, allegedly devised a plan to kill Abdullah, who was a lecturer at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.

Bagabuyo was arrested on March 18, 2022, shortly after Abdullah's body was found. The discovery was made by the grandson of a neighbor, who had been asked by Bagabuyo to rent a van and assist in disposing of a tote containing the body. The trial continues as the court considers the arguments presented by both sides.