In a shocking development, three men who had escaped from prison have been charged with capital murder in connection with the deaths of an American couple who disappeared in the Caribbean in February. The Royal Grenada Police Force announced on Friday that Trevon Robertson, 23; Atiba Stanislaus, 25; and Ron Mitchell, 30, were re-arrested and now face charges of capital murder in the slayings of Ralph Hendry, 66, and Kathleen Brandel, 71.

The charges brought against the trio also include escaping lawful custody, housebreaking, robbery, and two counts of kidnapping. Moreover, Atiba Stanislaus faces an additional charge of rape, according to the Grenada police.

The three men made their first court appearance on Thursday and have been remanded to Richmond Hill prison, also known as His Majesty's prison. Their next court appearance has been scheduled for March 27.

According to Grenada police commissioner Don McKenzie, the escapees had managed to flee from the South Saint George police station on February 18. The following day, they hijacked the catamaran named Simplicity, belonging to Ralph Hendry and Kathleen Brandel. The men later traveled to St Vincent and the Grenadines, where they were apprehended on February 21.

Commissioner McKenzie revealed, "Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St Vincent, they disposed of the occupants." Details regarding the cause of the couple's deaths have not been disclosed.

Ralph Hendry and Kathleen Brandel were described by the non-profit Salty Dawg Sailing Association as "veteran cruisers and longtime members." The couple had participated in the 2023 Caribbean Rally, sailing from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua. They had been spending the winter cruising the eastern Caribbean on their beloved catamaran, Simplicity.

In a heartfelt tribute, Hendry's son Bryan and Brandel's son Nick Buro shared, "Ralph and Kathy lived a life that most of us can only dream of, sailing the eastern coast of the United States, living on their home Simplicity, making friends with everyone they encountered, singing, dancing, and laughing with friends and family - that's who Ralph and Kathy were, and that's how they will be remembered in our hearts."

The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing, as authorities work to bring justice for the victims and their grieving families.