The American woman believed to have been murdered along with her husband by escaped prisoners who hijacked their yacht in the Caribbean was allegedly raped before being killed and dumped in the sea.
Ralph Hendry, 66, and Kathy Brandel, 71, were last seen near a beach in the small island nation of Grenada. Three escaped criminals who are believed to have stolen the catamaran were apprehended by police and are being held on murder charges.
"Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St Vincent, (the suspects) disposed of the occupants," Don McKenzie, police commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, said at a news conference.
The couple planned to spend the winter on a yacht in the Caribbean before being declared missing. Police now believe Hendry and Brandel were likely thrown into the ocean.
Authorities have charged a trio of prison escapees for the murders.
Ron Mitchell, 30, Trevon Robertson, 19, and Abita Stanislaus, 25, were also charged with robbery, escaping lawful custody, housebreaking, and kidnapping in connection with the deaths in late February, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force.
Additionally, Stanislaus was charged with rape. The Royal Grenada Police confirmed to the Daily Mail that the rape charge is related to Brandel.
Mitchell, Robertson, and Stanislaus allegedly broke out of a holding cell at the South St. George Police Station on Feb. 18.
From there, they allegedly hijacked Hendry and Brandel's yacht, Simplicity, while it was docked in St. George, Grenada - a popular tourist destination.
The abandoned watercraft was later found off the coast of St. Vincent.
Evidence of violence was allegedly discovered aboard the vessel, leading investigators to believe the couple was killed, however, their bodies have not yet been found.
Hendry and Brandel, of Virginia, were "veteran cruisers and long-time members of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association."
"Warm hearted and capable, they both contributed to building the SDSA and Kathy sat on the association's board for two years," the association wrote, announcing the deaths of the pair.
"Kathy and Ralph had sailed Simplicity in the 2023 Caribbean Rally from Hampton, VA to Antigua and were spending the winter cruising the Eastern Caribbean," when they were allegedly killed, according to the SDSA.
"This heartbreaking tragedy has left not only the sailing community, but also their families, shattered," a GoFundMe campaign organized to help the couple's sons retrieve the vessel and cover funeral costs, read. "Kathy, who had recently become a first-time grandmother, found immense joy in the presence of her grandson-joy that has now been abruptly taken away. As their families navigate the overwhelming grief and attempt to make sense of this unthinkable loss, we extend our collective support and sympathy."
