Man denies ‘racist murder’ of scientist in Dundee

A man is to stand trial charged with the racist murder of a scientist in Dundee.

Kyler Rattray, 21, allegedly attacked Dr Fortune Gomo on South Road on July 5, 2025.

Dr Gomo, 39, is said to have been repeatedly struck on the body with a knife.

Prosecutors claim the killing was aggravated by prejudice relating to race, nationality or ethnicity.

The indictment states this will be proved under the Hate Crime and Public Order Act.

Rattray faces a separate charge of illegally having a knife in a public place.

He pled not guilty during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday.

His defence advocate said a report on Rattray’s mental health would be prepared in the next few months.

Iain Paterson KC, defending, said: “This is a troubling case – there is no getting away from it.

“The situation is, we are still looking into his mental health issues.

“We have instructed Professor Baron Cohen to provide information on whether Mr Rattray has autism, which might link it to a mental health defence – whether his responsibility was diminished regarding this particular crime.

“I don’t have a date for which he will provide a report but we will get one in the next couple of months.

“The case has been ongoing for some time and for the family, we need to progress matters and I ask that a trial be fixed.”

The solicitor advocate along with prosecutor John Keenan KC agreed a trial could be set.

Lady Hood fixed a date and it is scheduled to begin in January 2028 at the High Court in Dundee.

The judge said: “I’m grateful for you updating matters and I will proceed to fix a trial on the date identified which will be for an eight day period.”

Media reports at the time told how Dr Gomo had been found fatally injured in South Road in Dundee’s Lochee area.

She was treated by paramedics but died.

The scientist was originally from Mutare in eastern Zimbabwe, had graduated with a PhD from Dundee University and had started working for Scottish Water prior to her death.

Dr Gomo’s brother Regis Nyatsanza said in July 2025 they had been discussing plans for her 40th birthday before her death.

She was the eldest of four siblings and was described as the “deputy parent” of the family.

Mr Nyatsanza said at the time: “Two weeks ago we were laughing about throwing her a big 40th birthday bash but she said she had achieved most of what she wanted.

“After all the struggle she had everything she wanted and so she was going to have a quiet celebration.”

One friend on social media commented on her “brilliance in the classroom”.

The woman added: “This was only matched by her emotional intelligence. She was the kind of person you would go to when you needed clarity, not just of mind, but of heart.

“We are heartbroken… but we are also united in one voice: Fortune Gomo mattered. Her legacy must never be forgotten.”