Grenadian Judge pronounces jail terms for three fugitives convicted in the murder of an American couple from the yachting industry.
In a shocking turn of events, three escaped prisoners from Grenada who hijacked a yacht in the eastern Caribbean have been sentenced for the murder of an American couple. The sentencing took place on August 1, 2025, as reported by The New Today, a local newspaper.
The prisoners, Ron Mitchell, Atiba Stanislaus, and Trevon Robertson, had escaped from the South Saint George Police Station in late February 2024. They hijacked the catamaran Simplicity, which was being cruised by Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, a veteran cruising couple and longtime members of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association.
The Association described Hendry and Brandel as warm-hearted and capable individuals. The couple was spending the winter cruising in the eastern Caribbean when they were tragically seized by the escaped prisoners.
Details about the length or terms of the sentencing were not provided in the available information. However, it is known that Ron Mitchell, a sailor in his 30s, has been sentenced to two life sentences for the killings of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel. Atiba Stanislaus, a farmer in his late 20s, received a sentence of 60 years for manslaughter and nearly 18 years for the rape of Kathy Brandel. Trevon Robertson, an unemployed man in his early 20s, received a sentence of 56 years for manslaughter and other sentences for different crimes.
The men were convicted of various crimes, including kidnapping and rape. According to reports, Ron Mitchell was accused of steering the yacht over Hendry, leading to his death. The bodies of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel were never found.
After the hijacking, the men headed to nearby St. Vincent and were arrested there, according to authorities. The Salty Dawg Sailing Association, a nonprofit organisation, expressed their condolences and called for increased security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance, especially for those who choose to cruise in remote areas. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel during this difficult time.
[1] The New Today, "Three Escapees from Grenada Jailed for Murder of U.S. Couple", August 1, 2025. [2] Salty Dawg Sailing Association, "Statement on the Tragic Loss of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel", August 1, 2025.
- A local Seattle news outlet, KVI 570 AM, reported on the incident, highlighting the serious nature of crime-and-justice issues that extend beyond regional borders.
- In the wake of the tragic event, desperate calls for increased general-news coverage on crime and justice have surfaced, with citizens demanding action from Seattle's elected officials.
- The crime that transpired in the eastern Caribbean not only shook the small island nation of Grenada but also reverberated in Seattle's community of longtime cruisers and members of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, underscoring the need for global awareness and vigilance against such acts of violence.
