POLICE – Kamloops lawyer charged with murder in death of TRU employee

A Kamloops man was arrested today (Friday, May 12. 2023) for first-degree murder in the homicide investigation of Mohd Abdullah.

Kamloops RCMP officers took Rogelio “Butch” Bagabuyo, 55, into custody following an investigation that began in March 2022.

On March 17, 2022, Abdullah was located deceased inside a vehicle on the 1600-block of Monterey Place; he had been reported missing on Monday March 14, after he failed to attend work. Bagabuyo, a Kamloops lawyer, was arrested soon after on one charge related to indignity to a body.

“After a lengthy and in-depth investigation into the death of Mr. Abdullah, a charge of first-degree murder against Rogelio “Butch” Bagabuyo was approved by the BC Prosecution Service,” said Supt. Jeff Pelley.

“This charge was the result of the tremendous work of everyone involved in this investigation, notably the Kamloops RCMP Serious Crime Unit, the General Investigation Support Team, Forensic Investigation Services Unit, and frontline officers.”

Sgt. Nestor Baird of the Serious Crime Unit noted the efforts that went into getting the investigation to the charge approval stage.

“Earlier today, Mr. Bagabuyo was located in Kamloops where he was arrested and taken into custody without incident,” said Sgt. Baird.

“The investigation will now continue to progress through the court process, and no further information will be available for release.”