Kamloops man charged with 1st-degree murder in death of TRU instructor

Kamloops RCMPsay a localman has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of aThompson Rivers University instructor.

Rogelio (Butch)Bagabuyo, 55, was taken into custody Friday following a lengthy investigation into the death of Mohd Abdullahlast March, according to police.

On March 17, 2022, Abdullah was found dead inside a vehicle in the 1600 block of Monterey Place, according to RCMP. He had been reported missing three days earlierafter notshowing up forwork.

Three days after Abdullah was found,Bagabuyo was charged with interfering with human remains.Mounties said at the time that Bagabuyoallegedly placed human remains in a plastic bin, and he was subsequently charged with the crime.

RCMP said Friday that the B.C. Prosecution Service has approved a charge of first-degree murder againstBagabuyo.

Bagabuyo had a law practice in Kamloops. The Law Society of B.C. lists him as a former member. The society's website states a B.C. Supreme Court order on May 12, 2022, appointed a lawyer to serveas a custodianfor Bagabuyo's practice. A custodian's role isto"manage or to wind up a legal practice," the society says.

Last year, Abdullah's son-in-law told CBC thatAbdullah and Bagabuyowere friends.

"He's saying this man is a trusted friend, a good friend ... whenever he needs legal advice, he always goes to Butch," Jhuls Bucosaid.

Thompson Rivers University said in a statement at the time ofAbdullah's death that he worked at the university for more than two decades, playing an important role in the faculty of science and open learning.