Prosecutors on Wednesday recommended a McAllen man accused of kidnapping and killing his ex-wife to be sentenced to life in prison, court records show.

Richard Ford was indicted on charges of capital murder, assault, and stalking last year. 

Authorities say 37-year-old Melissa Banda was taken from her McAllen home in August 2020 after a struggle with Ford. Her body was later found in a rural area in Donna.

At a Wednesday pre-trial hearing, prosecutors recommended Ford plead guilty to the charge of capital murder, according to court records. In exchange, his other charges of stalking, assault and violating a protective order would be dismissed.

Ford remains jailed on a $4.5 million bond. His next court date is April 20.

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