The man accused of killing transgender sex worker, Nephi Noel Luther, has been committed to stand trial in the High Court for the capital offence of murder.

Ron ‘Andel’ Forde, 43, of Lot 31 Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara is charged with the murder of Noel, which occurred on July 27, 2015 at Quamina and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown.

He appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was committed to face a judge and jury following the conclusion of the Preliminary Inquiry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. Forde was informed that a Prima Facie case was made out against him for the indictable offence.

The case was prosecuted by Inspector Neville Jeffers while Forde was represented by Attorney-at-law Peter Hugh. Forde was arrested after wanted bulletins were issued for two suspects in connection with the death of Noel; however the other suspect, Kanand Ojha, remains at large.

Noel, of Lot ZZ D’ Urban Street, Wortmanville, was gunned down on July 22, 2015 at about 02:35 hrs, while plying his trade in the downtown area of Carmichael Street in Georgetown. He was shot once to the chest when confronted by the duo during an argument over a paid transaction.

Reports are that a male client had earlier visited the transgender sex worker for a paid sexual encounter, but was apparently not satisfied with the services and had returned to Noel.

Dissatisfied with the response, the client returned with another man, who reportedly shot Noel dead before fleeing the scene in a sports utility vehicle.

During the preliminary inquiry, the prosecution called 20 witnesses, including the mother of the deceased, who became emotional while testifying.