Dr Fortune Gomo: Man appears in court over murder of scientist on Dundee street

A man has appeared in court for the second time charged with the murder of a scientist in Dundee.

Police were called to South Road at around 4.25pm on Saturday, July 5, after Dr Fortune Gomo was seriously injured.

The 39-year-old was treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kyler Rattray appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court for a second time on Tuesday charged with one count of murder.

The 20-year-old made no plea, was fully committed and remanded in custody.

A date for his next appearance in court has not been set.

‘Brilliant’ doctor died after alleged street attack

Dr Gomo was an environmental and water resources scientist and PhD graduate of the University of Dundee.

She had recently started a job with Scottish Water.

Detective superintendent Peter Sharp, the officer in charge of the inquiry, said: “Firstly, my thoughts remain with Fortune’s family at this incredibly sad time.

“They are being supported by specialist officers, and I would ask that their privacy is respected.

“Our enquiries are continuing and I remain satisfied that the incident poses no wider risk to the public.”

The attack happened on Dundee's South Road. — The attack happened on Dundee’s South Road. STV News

He said that the force is following a number of lines of inquiry and are aware of content circulating on social media.

The public has been urged not to speculate about the circumstances of the incident.

DC Sharp added: “The public will notice a visibly increased police presence in the area and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to speak with our officers.

“I continue to appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident or has information that may assist us to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2283 of July 5, 2025. Information can also be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Professor Simon Parsons, director of environment planning and assurance at Scottish Water, said: “Everyone at Scottish Water, where Dr Fortune Gomo worked, is shocked and saddened by her death and we send our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

“Fortune was an exceptional scientist and a senior service planner in our Water Resources Planning section based in Dundee where, having joined us in February, she had already become a highly valued and respected member of our team.

“We are supporting her colleagues at Scottish Water following this incident.”

Dr Gomo’s high school and university friend said her “brilliance in the classroom was only matched by her emotional intelligence”.

Angela Machonesa studied with Dr Gomo at Chinhoyi High School and the National University of Science and Technology, which are both in Zimbabwe, south-east Africa.

In a social media post, she said: “She was the kind of person you’d go to when you needed clarity, not just of mind, but of heart. She listened. She cared. She uplifted.

“No wonder she went on to earn her PhD. It was only natural. Her path was written in the stars long ago. To serve. To lead. To heal. And she was doing just that.

“But now, that dream, our Fortune’s dream, has been violently, senselessly, stolen from us all.

She added: “A child will now grow up without the love and presence of a mother. A family will mourn a daughter who once lit up their home with hope and promise.”