Kamloops lawyer accused of murder gets bail

A Kamloops lawyer accused of murder was released on bail today, but with strict conditions.

Rogelio "Butch" Bagabuyo is charged with first-degree murder in the death of former TRU lecturer Mohd Abdullah in 2022.

In his orange prison jumpsuit, Bagabuyo stared toward his shoes as the judge read her decision in a Kamloops courtroom.

Although he won't be in custody as he prepares for a trial, Bagabuyo was released on a $50,000 surety and will be on house arrest at his Columbia Street home. He also has no-contact orders with multiple people.

The evidence used during his bail hearings cannot be disclosed because of a publication ban.

Bagabuyo, 55, was arrested for Abdullah's murder in March, 14 months after Abdullah was reported missing.

Kamloops RCMP looked to the public in March 2022 to help find Abdullah, but just days later, his body was found stored in a plastic bin within a van.

Bagabuyo was initially charged with the indignity of human remains upon his March 25, 2022, arrest. He was later released on bail.

On May 12, 2023, Bagabuyo was arrested again and charged with first-degree murder, with the indignity charge later stayed.

He remained in custody until July 12 and arrived in BC Supreme Court to hear the decision.

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