St. George’s, GRENADA – Three escaped inmates from Grenada were formally charged with capital murder in connection to the killing of a US couple whose catamaran they hijacked, the Royal Grenada Police Force announced. The suspects, identified as Ron Mitchell, Atiba Stanislaus, and Trevon Robertson, were also charged with escaping lawful custody, housebreaking, robbery, kidnapping, and other related offenses. Stanislaus faces an additional charge of rape in relation to the incident.
The men appeared in court and were ordered to remain in prison until their scheduled hearing in late March. They were accused of breaking out of a police holding cell on Feb. 18 and commandeering a catamaran owned by Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, who were onboard at the time. The couple was believed to have been thrown overboard as the suspects sailed to St. Vincent, where they were eventually apprehended on Feb. 21.
Following their arrest, the three men were deported from St. Vincent on Monday. The victims, described as experienced sailors by the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, participated in last year’s Caribbean Rally and had plans to spend the winter cruising in the eastern Caribbean. Their bodies have not been recovered.
Family members described Hendry and Brandel as warm-hearted and capable individuals who brought joy to those around them. A GoFundMe page established in their honor has raised over $75,000 as of Friday. Longtime friend K.C. McAlpin reflected on the couple’s impact, noting that they had intended for the ill-fated trip to be their final grand adventure together.
The tragic events have left a void in the lives of many, with friends and family remembering the couple for their kindness and generosity. Authorities continue to investigate the case, working to bring justice to Hendry and Brandel while mourning their untimely loss.