ST. GEORGE’S, GD – A trio of fugitives from a Grenadian prison, who allegedly commandeered a yacht during their escape, are now staring down the barrel of numerous charges, including capital murder. This comes in the wake of the presumed demise of a retired American couple.
The suspects, Ron Mitchell, 30, Trevon Robertson, 19, and Abita Stanislaus, 25, are believed to have forced Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel overboard during their daring escape. The retired couple, who hailed from Virginia, had chosen to spend their golden years living on their yacht, the “Simplicity.” The vessel was later discovered in a state of ruin, splattered with blood.
Following their capture on the island of St. Vincent, the three men were extradited back to Grenada. They were formally charged on Thursday with two counts each of capital murder, escaping lawful custody, housebreaking, robbery, and kidnapping. Stanislaus faces an additional charge of rape.
The accused made their initial court appearance at St. George’s Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. They have been remanded to custody and are due back in court on March 27.
Hendry and Brandel had sold the majority of their possessions to purchase and live on their yacht, which was anchored off Grand Anse Beach in Grenada. The whereabouts of their bodies remain unknown.
The couple’s sons, Nick Buro and Bryan Hendry, have spoken warmly of their parents in prior interviews, describing them as adventurous, gregarious, and full of life.
The method of the prisoners’ escape remains a mystery, with the Royal Grenada Police Force conducting an ongoing internal investigation.