(DailyChive.com) – Kathy Brandel and her husband, Ralph Hendry, from Virginia, became victims of a horrific nightmare on their dream sailing trip in the Caribbean. Police allege the American couple was murdered last month after their yacht, the “Simplicity,” was hijacked by three escaped convicts.
The Royal Grenada Police Force charged 25-year-old Atiba Stanisclaus with the rape of Ms. Brandel. Stanisclaus, along with 30-year-old Ron Mitchell and 23-year-old Trevon Robertson, all face the most severe penalties – capital murder charges – for the deaths of Brandel and Hendry. The suspects also face charges of escape from lawful custody, breaking, robbery, and kidnapping.
The seasoned sailors, married for 27 years, were enjoying a dream vacation when tragedy struck. They had anchored their yacht in St. George’s, Grenada’s capital.
Authorities located the yacht on February 21st in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a neighboring island. However, Brandel and Hendry were missing. A disturbing scene awaited investigators – the yacht’s interior was in complete disarray and had evidence of a violent struggle. Blood stained the vessel, and the couple’s belongings were scattered everywhere.
Reports indicate a Coast Guard memo described the scene as a ransacked vessel. Evidence suggests the convicts took control of the yacht a day after they escaped from a Grenada prison on February 18th.
Police Commissioner Don McKenzie stated the escaped convicts likely disposed of the couple’s bodies while sailing the stolen yacht between the islands. The remains of Brandel and Hendry have not been found.
The couple were known for their rigorous adherence to safety measures. Their son, Nick Buro, expressed shock and sadness regarding the tragedy, emphasizing his parents’ utmost priority on safety. He described the senseless and unimaginable act of violence, noting that their yacht wasn’t just a vessel but their home.
The three suspects, Stanisclaus, Ron Mitchell (30), and Trevon Robertson (23), were initially apprehended on robbery charges. Mitchell faced additional charges from a separate incident.
All three suspects will appear in court on March 27th.
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