Missing Virginia couple feared dead as three escaped prisoners 'commandeer' their yacht in Caribbean
SAINT GEORGE'S, GRENADA: Three escaped prisoners "commandeered" a Virginia couple's yacht in the Caribbean, leaving behind evidence indicative of violence and a distressing situation.
Police disclosed on Monday, February 26, that the missing couple, Ralph Hendry, aged 66, and his wife Kathy Brandel, aged 71, are now suspected to have perished, with authorities fearing their bodies were thrown overboard.
3 escaped prisoners allegedly boarded the Virginia couple's yacht
Last spotted on February 18, the couple's whereabouts remained unknown until their boat was found anchored and deserted days later, prompting local authorities to fear the worst. Allegedly, the suspects boarded the yacht named Simplicity while it was docked in the St George area of Grenada.
“Several items were strewn on the deck and in the cabin and a red substance that resembled blood was seen on board,” Royal St Vincent and Grenadines Police Force official Junior Simmons said. “There was no discovery of bodies on board the yacht.”
Evidence indicates that the couple met their demise aboard the yacht, with the Royal Grenada Police Force suggesting that the bodies were "disposed of" while the vessel was en route between Grenada and St Vincent. This occurred after the yacht was allegedly "commandeered" by the escaped prisoners.
Suspects have not yet been charged in Virginia couple murder
After the yacht was searched, the suspects—Ron Mitchell, aged 30, Trevon Robertson, aged 19, and Abita Stanislaus, aged 25—were apprehended in St Vincent. The trio had escaped from police custody on February 18, coinciding with the last day the couple was seen.
Appearing in court on Sunday, the three suspects pleaded guilty to four counts each of immigration-related charges.
They are currently being held in custody awaiting sentencing on these charges, scheduled for next Monday.
As of now, the suspects have not been formally charged in connection with the disappearance of Brandel and Hendry. Authorities are escalating their search endeavors for the missing couple, despite no bodies having been recovered at this time.
Despite the grim circumstances, the family of Brandel and Hendry held onto hope over the weekend that their loved ones would be found alive.
Nick Buro, one of their sons, expressed that he and his brother, Bryan Hendry, are "doing our best to try and get answers to find out what is next in terms of hopefully finding them safely recovered somewhere on the islands."
