What Happened to Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel? Virginia couple feared dead after 3 escaped prisoners steal their yacht in the Caribbean

Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, a retired couple from New England, are believed to be dead following an incident involving three escaped prisoners in Grenada.

The couple, who were spending their winter cruising the Eastern Caribbean, were reported missing after their yacht was found abandoned on a beach in St. Vincent.

It is worth noting that Hendry and Brandel had been following the same sailing route for the past few years, starting from Virginia and ending in the Caribbean.

The fugitives, Ron Mitchell, Trevon Robertson, and Abita Stanislaus, escaped custody and managed to flee to another Caribbean island after making their way to the marina.

According to a press release by the police, it is believed that the trio hijacked the yacht and murdered the couple before making their way to St. Vincent.

The AIS data revealed that the vessel departed from Grand Anse Beach in Grenada at around 10 pm and was discovered the following Wednesday.

The St Vincent Times reported that the boat was found with bloodstains inside, but there was no trace of the couple.

A safety report filed on Caribbean Security and Safety Net stated that a significant amount of blood was found in the master stateroom, along with missing personal belongings.

The police were able to contact the victims’ emergency contacts through the passports found on board.

On Thursday, the local police confirmed that the three escapees had been apprehended. Prior to their capture, a warning had been issued by the officers, advising caution as the trio was potentially armed.

The RSVG Police Force released a statement stating that the three escaped prisoners, Ron Mitchell (30), Trevon Robertson (25), and Atiba Stanislaus (23), were recaptured during an operation in the village of Petit Bordel.

The men had been in police custody in Grenada for charges including rape, robbery with violence, and other serious offenses. Additionally, two other Grenadian nationals were apprehended during the operation.

While all individuals were jointly charged with one count of robbery with violence, Mitchell faced additional charges of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, and causing harm.

A GoFundMe page has since been set up on behalf of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel’s sons

After the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated by Jessica Mause, a friend of the victim’s son, to support the family of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel.

The campaign has managed to raise more than $14,000 towards its goal of $75,000. It was organized on behalf of Nick Buro, Kathy’s son, and Bryan Hendry, Ralph’s son. Jessica Mause, the organizer, stated that she shares a friendship with Nick Buro.

The fundraiser highlights Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel as seasoned adventurers who dedicated their retirement to sailing on their yacht, Simplicity.

They would spend their summers in New England and winters in the Caribbean.

According to Caribbean Compass Magazine, the couple participated in the Caribbean Rally from Hampton, VA, to Antigua in 2023 and were residing in the Caribbean when they went missing.

Although the victims have not been located yet, the fundraiser claims that their lives were tragically taken due to an act of violence. The fundraiser said:

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the senseless act of violence that tragically claimed the lives of husband and wife, Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel. Their lives ended in unimaginable tragedy on Sunday, February 19th, off the shores of Grand Anse Beach, Grenada.”