CASTRIES, St Lucia — St Lucia murder suspect Orville Andrew Pernell, a Jamaican national accused of committing a brutal murder in 2020, is set to be extradited to St Lucia after being apprehended by U.S. authorities in Savannah, Georgia. The arrest, confirmed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), marks the end of a multi-year, multinational manhunt involving law enforcement agencies across the Caribbean and North America.
International manhunt ends with arrest of St Lucia murder suspect Orville Andrew Pernell
According to a press release from ICE, Pernell, 32, had been a fugitive for several years after escaping from custody in St Lucia during his murder trial. The original charge stemmed from the August 25, 2020, killing of Cleus Alfred of Ravine Macock at Trouya, Gros Islet. After his initial escape from the Babonneau Police Station, Orville Andrew Pernell fled to Jamaica, where he was later apprehended in 2021 but managed to escape custody there as well.
U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered Orville Andrew Pernell near San Ysidro, California, on December 7, 2022, as he attempted to enter the United States using a fake identity. He was paroled into the country and given a notice to appear. His time in the United States involved further criminal activity. In July 2023, Pernell was arrested by the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia on charges related to the possession of a stolen motorcycle and attempting to evade arrest. Police also discovered a stolen 9mm handgun during the incident, adding to the growing list of offenses.
ICE detailed that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, working in tandem with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), located and arrested Pernell in Savannah, Georgia, on April 4, 2025. The arrest was carried out without incident following an extensive investigation and collaboration among multiple agencies. ICE HSI Caribbean, Bridgetown, and Kingston offices played a significant role in the operation, providing critical support that contributed to its success.
“We are committed to tracking down fugitives who pose a serious threat to public safety, no matter where they may try to hide,” said ICE HSI Special Agent in Charge Atlanta Steven N. Schrank. “This operation highlights our ongoing work to dismantle criminal networks and bring violent individuals to justice. We are thankful for our local, state, and international law enforcement partners who helped us secure this arrest.”
Orville Andrew Pernell currently faces charges in the United States for being an alien in possession of a weapon. Upon extradition to St Lucia, he will stand trial for murder and is expected to be housed at the Bordelais Correctional Facility. Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas indicated that additional charges related to escaping lawful custody may be brought forward once Pernell is returned to St Lucia.
Legal observers note that such extradition processes typically require close cooperation between the U.S. Department of Justice and St Lucia’s Ministry of Legal Affairs. The process ensures all legal standards and treaty obligations are met, protecting the rights of the accused while advancing the interest of justice for victims and the broader community.
This high-profile St Lucia extradition underscores both the challenges and successes of international law enforcement cooperation. ICE HSI has emphasized the priority of apprehending fugitives involved in violent crimes, particularly those who have attempted to evade justice by crossing international borders. For the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Pernell’s imminent return stands as a significant achievement, reflecting improved coordination and intelligence sharing among regional and international partners.
As the legal process moves forward, scrutiny is expected to remain on St Lucia’s custodial procedures and the broader issues surrounding prison escapes and cross-border crime in the Caribbean. The outcome of this case may set important precedents for future extraditions and contribute to enhanced security protocols across the region.
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