Man Accused of Paying for Murder to Stand Trial in Westmoreland County

A man from Philadelphia, Keven Lam, is set to stand trial after being accused of paying someone $65,000 to “take care of” his business associate, Boyke Budiarachman, who was shot and killed in the parking lot of a shopping plaza in Westmoreland County. The decision to hold all charges for court against Lam was made after a three-hour preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Lam is facing charges of homicide, first-degree murder, and tampering with evidence in connection with Budiarachman’s death. According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, Lam and Budiarachman were business associates who were involved in a temporary staffing agency. Lam had purchased the company from Budiarachman in 2019, but claimed that Budiarachman took his employees, resulting in a financial loss.

Police investigations revealed that Lam had consulted with a contact from Philadelphia, and the two allegedly agreed upon a price of $65,000 to “take care of” Budiarachman. On the night of November 5th, Lam and Budiarachman met at a restaurant in Rostraver Township. When they were ready to leave, Lam called his contact to inform him of their departure. Lam was last seen in the parking lot, according to the district attorney’s office.

Responding to the scene, first responders found Budiarachman dead with gunshot wounds outside the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in the shopping center. The masked assailant who shot Budiarachman remains unidentified, as detectives have not released any additional information about the suspect.

The motive behind the murder appears to be rooted in the alleged dispute over employees and business matters between Lam and Budiarachman. Lam’s claim about the loss of revenue due to Budiarachman taking his employees may have led him to seek a violent resolution.

As the case proceeds to trial, more details about the investigation and the evidence against Lam are likely to emerge. The trial will provide an opportunity for prosecutors and defense attorneys to present their respective arguments and for the judicial system to determine Lam’s guilt or innocence.

However, it is important to note that these are allegations and Lam is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The trial will be a crucial step in the pursuit of justice for Boyke Budiarachman and his family, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.

Overall, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving disputes and conflicts through legal means rather than resorting to violence. The consequences of such a decision can be severe, leading to loss of life and the destruction of families.