Three men who escaped from a Grenadian prison and murdered an elderly American couple aboard their yacht have been sentenced to prison, authorities confirmed last week.
Ron Mitchell, a sailor in his 30s identified as the ringleader, was handed two life sentences for the killings of 66-year-old Ralph Hendry and 71-year-old Kathy Brandel, according to the Associated Press.
Trevon Robertson, in his early 20s, was sentenced to 56 years for manslaughter along with additional time for other crimes, the outlet reported.
Atiba Stanislaus, a farmer also in his 20s, received a 60-year sentence for manslaughter and an additional 18 years for the rape of Brandel. He was also convicted of other crimes, including kidnapping.
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The attack occurred on February 18, 2024, when the three men escaped from prison, hijacked the couple’s boat, and threw them overboard during a voyage between Grenada and St. Vincent. Authorities said the suspects were later captured in St. Vincent.
The couple—Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry—were experienced sailors known in the cruising community for their generosity and strong faith. They had joined the Salty Dawg Sailing Association’s fall 2023 rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua.
“They were always willing to give help to anyone in need, they were very giving people,” said family friend Will Knoll, who sailed with them during the rally. “It’s just a tragedy that this would occur to them.”
Despite extensive search efforts, the bodies of Hendry and Brandel were never recovered.
