Grenada Prison Escapees Charged with Murder of American Couple in Alleged Yacht Hijacking

Three inmates escaped from prison in Grenada and have been charged with killing two Americans after allegedly hijacking their yacht last month to flee to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the police confirmed. The Royal Granada Police Force stated that Ron Mitchell, Atiba Stanisclaus, and Trevon Robertson are facing two counts of capital murder for the presumed deaths of Americans Ralph Hendry and Kathleen Brandel.

The three suspects are facing charges of escaping lawful custody, housebreaking, robbery, and kidnapping. Additionally, Stanislaus has been charged with one count of rape.

The recent police update did not specify the identity of the person Stanislaus is accused of raping, nor did it mention whether the bodies of the couple had been found.

Hendry and Brandel, who are from Virginia, were fulfilling their dream of sailing in the Caribbean on their yacht named Simplicity, heading to Antigua. Unfortunately, they disappeared during the journey, as reported by the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, their yacht club.

The couple's boat was discovered empty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on February 21. Despite thorough searching, Hendry and Brandel were not found, as mentioned by the yacht club.

Authorities in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are working together to investigate a violent incident on a missing couple's yacht, which included blood stains left behind by the suspects.

Last week, Grenada police commissioner Don McKenzie shared in a news conference that the couple may have been thrown overboard during the hijacking. Information indicates that the suspects got rid of the couple while traveling between Grenada and St. Vincent, which are about 80 miles apart.

Last week, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force stated that the alleged killers of a couple committed "several criminal acts including bodily harm" while sailing. When the authorities found the yacht, they noted that the scene showed signs of violence.

The three suspects appeared in St. George's Magistrate's Court in Grenada last Thursday and were remanded to prison. They are scheduled to appear in court again on March 27.

CNN has reached out to the police for more information.

‘They brought light’

The disappearance of the couple has deeply affected their family and loved ones.

Hendry's son, Bryan Hendry, and Brandel's son, Nick Buro, issued a statement together recently, honoring their parents for their life filled with love, faith, and passion for sailing.

Ralph and Kathy were living a dream life, sailing along the eastern coast of the United States on their home Simplicity. They made friends wherever they went, enjoying music, dancing, and laughter with loved ones. This is how we will always remember them in our hearts.

Despite the tragic event that took them from us, we can find solace in knowing that Ralph and Kathy left the world a better place than when they entered it.

Buro and Bryan Hendry described their parents as the most resilient individuals they have ever met, aspiring to be just half as amazing as them.

In a heartfelt statement, they expressed that even though their parents' final days were challenging, they brought light into the lives of those who knew, loved, and cherished them, a light that will always shine bright in their hearts and memories.

Buro mentioned that his mother and stepfather, experienced boaters, had been eagerly anticipating their first Caribbean cruise for many years.

According to Buro, safety was always a top priority for his mother and stepfather. They were extremely cautious in everything they did, ensuring to be safe at all times. Therefore, the sudden and unfortunate accident came as a complete shock to them.

Two Americans, Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, are believed dead after their yacht was hijacked in Grenada by prison escapees.

Two Americans, Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, are believed dead after their yacht was hijacked in Grenada by prison escapees.

Salty Dawg Sailing Association

Related article

A missing American couple's yacht in Grenada was found with a violent scene, as described by their family. The couple had sold their home and purchased the yacht named Simplicity, immersing themselves in a captivating life at sea, according to a family member.

"It was their home. Everything they owned was on that boat. It was their life," he explained. "Kathy worked hard all her life before retiring. Ralph worked in financial services and even continued working from the boat. They chose a lifestyle that most of us wouldn't even consider. They enjoyed every moment, explored many parts of the world, and lived a joyful and loving life."

Reporting for CNN was contributed by Abel Alvarado, Polo Sandoval, Elizabeth Wolfe, and Sahar Akbarzai.

Editor's P/S:

The tragic fate of Ralph Hendry and Kathleen Brandel, whose lives were cut short by the heinous actions of prison escapees, has sent shockwaves through the community. The couple's passion for sailing and their dream of exploring the Caribbean was cruelly shattered by a senseless act of violence. The news of their presumed deaths and the gruesome discovery of bloodstains on their yacht has left their loved ones reeling in anguish and disbelief.

The escape of the three inmates and their subsequent capture and charging with capital murder has raised questions about the security measures in place at the prison and the efficiency of the authorities in responding to such incidents. The investigation into the couple's disappearance and the circumstances surrounding their deaths must be thorough and transparent to provide closure to their family and friends and to ensure that justice is served. It is essential that the authorities spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to account and in preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.