23 February 2024 , 23:15
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An couple whose yacht was hijacked by three runaway prisoners are feared dead after their boat was found with "copious amounts of blood" inside.
Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, from Virginia, US, were onboard their catamaran "Simplicity" in Grenada when the escapees are believed to have made their way on board. They had been sailing around the Caribbean island and docked near Saint George when it was stolen.
They are now believed to be dead and the three suspects - Trevon Robertson, Ron Mitchell and Atiba Stanislaus - who were being held at the South Saint George Police Station on the island have been found. Police think the trio hijacked the yacht and killed the couple before travelling to St. Vincent.
EXCLUSIVE:
The couple's yacht "Simplicity" was found with blood stains on the inside (Ken Goodings/Facebook)Data from the vessel shows it left Grenada at around 10pm near Grand Anse Beach before it was discovered on Wednesday with several bloodstains found on the interior. There was no sign of the couple.
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A safety report filed on the Caribbean Security and Safety Net stated: "Copious volumes of blood were discovered in the master stateroom. Numerous personal belongings were also lost. Passports discovered onboard allowed police to contact the victims’ emergency contacts."
Ron Mitchell was charged with multiple offences (RSVG Police Force)
Atiba Stanislau was charged with robbery (RSVG Police Force)Before the trio were discovered, a warning was issued by police for people to avoid them as they may be armed and dangerous. The RSVG Police Force said: "Three male prisoners who escaped lawful custody from police in Grenada have been recaptured by police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
"The escaped prisoners whose names are Ron Mitchell, 30, Trevon Robertson, 25, and Atiba Stanislaus, 23, were recaptured on Wednesday 21st February 2024 about 4.35pm, during an operation by members of the Narcotics and Rapid Response Units in the North Western village of Petit Bordel.
"The three men had been in police custody in Grenada on charges of Rape, Robbery with Violence, and other serious offences. Two other Grenadian nationals were also apprehended during the operation."
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Trevon Robertson was one of the three escapee prisoners (RSVG Police Force)
Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel are presumed dead (GoFundMe)All three were charged on one count of robbery with violence, while Mitchell was additionally charged with rape, three counts of attempted rape, two counts of indecent assault and causing harm.
The American couple had been part of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association (SDSA) who said that a cruising skipper found Simplicity abandoned off a beach. He boarded the boat and found evidence of apparent violence.
SDSA President Bob Osborn said: "This is a very upsetting event and details are still unconfirmed by the authorities, but this does appear to be a tragic event – our hopes and prayers are with Ralph and Kathy and the family who love them.
"I have spoken to the families and have offered our deepest condolences and our assistance in any way possible. In all my years of cruising the Caribbean, I have never heard of anything like this."
The couple's boat was found near the Grand Anse Beach in Grenada (Google)Hendry was the founder of a wealth management group having previously worked for Citibank. Meanwhile, Brandel was a real estate agent. A fundraiser has since been set up for the pair to try and recover their boats and belongings and funeral costs. So far, £12,000 has been raised.
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The GoFundMe page says: "Kathy and Ralph were seasoned sailors who lived on their beloved catamaran, Simplicity. Their lives ended in unimaginable tragedy on Sunday, February 19th, off the shores of Grand Anse Beach, Grenada.
A cruising skipper found Simplicity abandoned off a beach (Ken Goodings/Facebook)"Their final voyage with the Salty Dawg Sailing Crew took an unthinkable turn as Simplicity was found abandoned in St. Vincent, bearing chilling evidence of a violent struggle. This heartbreaking tragedy has left not only the sailing community, but also their families, shattered."
A State Department spokesperson added: "We are aware of these reports involving U.S. citizens. We are monitoring the situation and seeking additional information. The Department of State has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad. We stand ready to provide appropriate assistance to U.S. citizens in need and to their families. U.S. authorities are coordinating with local law enforcement officials on this incident. We do not comment on ongoing investigations."