Guyanese murder suspect captured in New York after years on the run

US law enforcement authorities in Queens, New York, on Monday arrested Kanand Ojha, who is wanted in Guyana over the 2015 killing of sex worker Noel “Nephi” Luther, the Government of Guyana said.

The arrest was carried out by the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, which includes US Marshals, Homeland Security officials and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to a government statement.

Guyana said Ojha’s capture followed years of cooperation under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters framework between the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Attorney General’s Chambers and US agencies.

Luther was shot once in the chest during a confrontation at Carmichael and Quamina Streets in Georgetown in July 2015. Ojha’s associate, Ron “Andel” Forde, was sentenced in 2017 to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with the killing.

A wanted bulletin was issued for Ojha in July 2019. Authorities said the arrest highlights growing collaboration between Guyanese and US law enforcement, which has led to the capture and extradition of fugitives in both countries.