SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Three prisoners who escaped from Grenada and were accused of the brutal killings of an elderly American couple have been sentenced for their crimes. The case centers on the heinous act committed last year when the convicted men hijacked the couple's catamaran in the Eastern Caribbean.

Ron Mitchell, a sailor in his 30s, was identified as the ringleader in the operation. He received two life sentences for his role in the deaths of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel. The couple were well-known members of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, where they were described as "veteran cruisers" and "warm-hearted" individuals enjoying their winter cruising in the Caribbean.

Atiba Stanislaus, a farmer in his late 20s, was sentenced to 60 years for manslaughter and an additional nearly 18 years for the rape of Brandel, among other crimes including kidnapping. Trevon Robertson, an unemployed man in his early 20s, was sentenced to 56 years for manslaughter along with various sentences for different offenses, as reported by local media.

According to the prosecutors, the accused men had bound and gagged Hendry and Brandel before discarding their bodies overboard. Mitchell was alleged to have steered the yacht over Hendry during this horrific incident. Tragically, the bodies of the couple were never recovered.

Authorities reported that the trio had escaped from the South Saint George Police Station in Grenada in late February 2024. Following their escape, they hijacked the catamaran named Simplicity the day after, subsequently heading to nearby St. Vincent where they were captured.

This case, described as a tragic and violent event, has left a deep impact on the sailing community, particularly among those who knew Hendry and Brandel. Their vital contributions to the cruising community have been fondly remembered by fellow members of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association.

The convictions serve as a reminder of the dangers that can exist in otherwise serene settings, such as the Caribbean, and highlight the need for safety and vigilance among those who choose to navigate its waters. The sentencing of Mitchell, Stanislaus, and Robertson marks the conclusion of a harrowing chapter for the families involved, while also being an important signal from the judicial system regarding the severity of their crimes.