Sex-worker murder case: Accused to stand trial in High Court

Ron  ‘Andel’ Forde, the suspect in the murder of commercial sex worker Nephi Luthers, was on Wednesday committed to stand trial for murder in the High Court when Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan concluded the Preliminary Inquiry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 42-year-old, of Lot 19 Meadow Bank, Georgetown, allegedly killed Luthers  on July 22, 2015 at Quamina Street, Georgetown.

During the PI, the Court heard that there was a confrontation between Forde, the other suspect in the incident Kanand Ojha, and Luthers. During the confrontation, the 20-year-old man, of Durban Street, Wortmanville, was shot once to his chest.

According to reports, on the night of the shooting, Ojha paid Luthers $5000 to perform a sexual act in the vicinity of St George’s Cathedral.

During the act, he was reportedly relieved of his personal belongings. After the act was completed, he left in his motor car, but subsequently realised that his phone and cash were missing.

According to reports, Ojha collected Forde and went back to the location where they confronted Luthers who vehemently denied that he did business with Ojha and a heated argument ensued.

During the argument, Ojha reportedly told Luthers, “You have to give back the thing”, but in response, the commercial sex worker said: “Me ain’t been with you”. At this time, Forde pulled out the gun and pulled the trigger, shooting Luthers to his chest.

After being shot, Luthers fell to the ground and the two men fled the scene.

Luthers was picked up by his colleagues and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Forde and Ojha subsequently went on the run, and wanted bulletins were issued for their arrest.

Forde was apprehended in Linden and transported to Georgetown. He was subsequently charged with the offence.

On Wednesday in Court, Magistrate McLennan informed Ford that there was sufficient evidence for the matter to be heard by a judge and jury. As such, he was committed to stand trial in the High Court.

Meanwhile, Ojha is still on the run. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Ojha is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-8196, 226-7065, 227-1149, 911 or at the nearest Police Station.