Author: Emily Wong

A Kamloops lawyer has admitted to killing his client but insists it was not murder, according to statements made in a B.C. Supreme Court courtroom. Butch Bagabuyo, 57, faced his first-degree murder trial over the death of Mohd Abdullah, 60, a computer sciences professor at Thompson Rivers University. Abdullah had hired Bagabuyo nearly a decade ago to assist with a separation. Prosecutors allege that in 2016 the two men conspired to hide $774,000 from Abdullah’s ex-wife and her family. In the months before his death, Abdullah tried to reclaim the money, becoming increasingly frustrated and desperate. Bagabuyo is accused of…

Kamloops police are appealing to the public for information and video footage following a violent assault that left one man fighting for his life. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, drawing a large police response and launching a major investigation. Shortly after 5 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Notre Dame Drive. On arrival, they discovered a 39-year-old man suffering from a severe injury. Emergency responders transported him to hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Authorities have not released the man’s identity but confirmed that his family has been notified. Police say the case is being…

Police are asking the public for help after a tragic drowning at Kamloops Lake, British Columbia, claimed the life of an international student last weekend. The young man, who was studying at Thompson University, lost his life while swimming near Bruker Marina on the evening of August 23. Authorities reported that the incident took place just after 5 p.m. when officers received a call about a swimmer in distress. Despite quick actions from people nearby, the student disappeared into the water and did not resurface. Emergency crews responded immediately in an effort to find the swimmer. Tobiano Fire Rescue, Kamloops…

Conservative municipal politics are arriving in Kelowna and Kamloops, marking a shift in how political parties engage in British Columbia cities outside the Lower Mainland. Candidates under the Conservative Electors Association may appear on local ballots next year. The association is separate from both the provincial and federal Conservative parties. A recent media release from the association emphasized independence. It stated that while the organization follows conservative principles, it focuses solely on municipal issues and local engagement. The release did not name an author but promised more information in the coming weeks. Elections BC records show the association was registered…

Kamloops police are asking for public help to locate a man believed to be in the city. Christopher Lamoreux, 46, is reported missing after arriving in Kamloops roughly a week ago. Authorities say Lamoreux has not been heard from since, which is unusual for him. Police describe Lamoreux as Indigenous, about 6 feet tall, and of slim build. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and a black baseball cap. The Kamloops RCMP is urging anyone who may have seen him or has information about his whereabouts to come forward. Public assistance is considered vital in locating him safely.…

Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has reached a $42,000 settlement with his former lawyer over unpaid legal bills. The agreement resolves a fee dispute that had been ongoing since earlier this year. Under the settlement, Hamer-Jackson will pay $41,998.46 to Owen Bird Law Corporation. The total invoiced amount was $78,498.46, with $36,500 already paid. The remaining balance will accrue interest from the date of the court order until fully paid, though previous interest on overdue amounts has been waived. The dispute arose from legal services provided by Daniel Coles while representing Hamer-Jackson in multiple code of conduct complaints. Court documents show…

The City of Kamloops has temporarily closed the McArthur Island boat launch because of low water levels. On Monday afternoon, the city shared the closure on social media, saying it was done as a safety precaution. The boat launch will remain closed until water conditions improve. The city also mentioned other nearby boat launch sites that are open for use. These include Pioneer Park and Valleyview, which boaters can use as alternatives. Water level data from Environment Canada shows the Thompson River near Kamloops is currently about 3.4 metres. This is a drop of over 10 centimetres since Saturday and…

The search has resumed for a 23-year-old man who went missing after jumping off the Overlanders Bridge into the North Thompson River in Kamloops on July 30, 2025. Authorities say recent evaluations have led to renewed efforts to find him. Local police confirmed that Search and Rescue teams, working with RCMP officers, are again combing the area. Both aerial and watercraft support are being used to cover as much of the river as possible. The operation is aimed at locating any sign of the man, who is presumed to have drowned. Cpl. Dana Napier, the RCMP’s media relations officer, explained…

The mayor of Kamloops has launched a second defamation lawsuit against a city councillor over accusations he says have harmed his reputation. Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson filed the suit after Councillor Katie Neustaeter allegedly called his actions “creepy” in an internal email. The email was sent in 2024 to senior city staff and council members. According to court documents filed in B.C. Supreme Court on July 31, the mayor says the email made false and serious claims about him. The lawsuit centers around a message Neustaeter sent in May 2024. In it, she accused Hamer-Jackson of watching and recording her movements,…

Environment Canada has upgraded its warning in the Nicola region. The storm warning took effect at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. It covers the area from Tulameen to Lac Le Jeune. Merritt and the Coquihalla Highway north of Hope are included. Meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm over Pennask Lake. The lake lies north of the Okanagan Connector and east of Merritt. The storm moves north at five kilometres per hour. Forecasters warn it could bring pea- to dime-sized hail. They also predict strong wind gusts and heavy rain. Heavy rain may cause flash flooding. Roads could become flooded and slick.…