Bala Chinda was sent by his father, an immigration attache to the Nigerian embassy in China, to study at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. But only few weeks into his stay, the 26 year old would have his life derailed in ways that he or his parents could not have imagined.

He was found guilty of raping and murdering 37 year old Jessica McGraa, a sex worker who also happened to be Nigerian.

The court heard throughout the trial that Chinda had been desperate for sex on the evening before and the morning of McGraa’s death.

After searching for prostitutes and brothels nearby he eventually ended up meeting his victim at her a residence. Unfortunately he did not have the cash required for the sexual transaction and killed her in a frustrated rage.

According to court papers, Chinda then stole McGraa’s mobile phones in order to dispose of any evidence linking him to her.

It is believed that he smothered her with a pillow as he raped her and strangled her afterwards with a scarf.

Jessica McGraa was said to be a Nigerian orphan whose career as a sex worker was unknown to her friends and family who thought she sold hair extensions. Her fee was up to £1800 per night. She is survived by a young son, an ex-husband and a 21 year old boyfriend who both did not know of her other life until the murder.

Thenetng

The late McGraa and her family.