Lisa Wright

Client of transsexual charged with murder

Grayce Baxter, 26, who lived in a condominium in the World Trade Centre at the foot of Yonge St., disappeared the morning of Dec. 8 after visiting a friend in Mississauga.

Baxter, believed to have had about 100 regular clients, answered a call on her pager about 3 a.m. and was never seen again, police said.

Detectives launched a search after her black BMW was found abandoned two days later.

"We have sufficient evidence to lay a charge," said Detective Sergeant David Clark of Metro police, who refused to elaborate on the proof investigators had gathered.

Detectives Jim McDermott and Tony Warr of the homicide squad are heading the investigation and have been interviewing her clients.

They are still seeking clues that will lead them to the location of the victim's body.

Grayce Baxter was born a male, Grant, and had a sex change operation seven years ago before starting a career as a call girl.

Metro police yesterday arrested a 23-year-old Toronto man at his home.

Patrick Daniel Johnson, of Wynford Heights Cres. in North York is charged with first-degree murder. He is to appear in court today.