A 21-year-old defendant has entered a not guilty plea to the racially-aggravated murder of an academic who was fatally attacked on a Dundee street in July 2024. Kyler Rattray is accused of repeatedly striking Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, with a knife during an assault on South Street. The High Court in Dundee will hear the case beginning on 5 January 2028, with proceedings expected to span eight days.
Prosecutors contend that the attack was aggravated by prejudice relating to race, colour, nationality or ethnicity. Rattray additionally faces a separate charge of unlawfully carrying a knife in a public place.
Dr Gomo, a postdoctoral research assistant in Geography at the University of Dundee until February 2022, had recently begun employment with Scottish Water as a Senior Service Planner in Water Resource Planning when she was attacked. She was discovered with fatal injuries on the street and received emergency treatment from paramedics at the scene, but did not survive.
The University of Dundee confirmed that Dr Gomo completed her PhD at the institution in 2022. Originally from Mutare in eastern Zimbabwe, she had established herself as a valued member of both the academic and professional communities in Scotland. Police Scotland acknowledged at the time that her death had caused significant distress throughout Dundee.
Defence arguments and mental health assessment
At a virtual hearing held at the High Court in Glasgow, the defence team outlined their approach to the case.
He is pleading not guilty to the charge. This is a troubling case - there is no getting away from it. The situation is we are still looking into his mental health issues.
Iain Paterson KC, representing Rattray, explained that the defence is investigating potential mental health considerations.
We have instructed Prof 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.
Paterson indicated that an expert report addressing these matters would be completed within the coming months, though no specific date had been confirmed. He emphasised the importance of progressing the case, particularly given the length of time it has already been ongoing and the need to provide closure for Dr Gomo's family.
Community response and subsequent developments
Dr Gomo's death resonated deeply within Dundee and beyond. In July 2025, community members held a fundraiser near the scene to support Dr Gomo's family and honour her life, recognising her role as a mother and her contributions to her field.
The case has also drawn attention to data protection concerns. In February 2026, a former Police Scotland special constable pleaded guilty to three breaches of the Data Protection Act after accessing police systems and sharing information about Dr Gomo's death, receiving a fine of £1,275.
What happens next
The trial is scheduled to commence at the High Court in Dundee on 5 January 2028 and is expected to continue for eight days. The proceedings will determine whether Rattray is responsible for the racially-aggravated murder and the separate charge of illegally carrying a knife in a public place.
