Antja Herkommer will face a lesser charge of manslaughter, The Royal Gazette understands.

It means Leroy Elmer Eugene Burgess, 25, will no longer face a possible death sentence, if convicted.

Burgess, who is represented by lawyer Mr. Timothy Marshall, is to stand trial in Supreme Court on Monday. The reasons for scaling down the charge will be explained to the judge.

Last night Attorney General Mr. Walter Maddocks declined to comment.

The body of 28-year-old Miss Herkommer was found at the Maritime Museum in Dockyard last April.