U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the capture of Orville Andrew Pernell, a 32-year-old Jamaican citizen wanted for murder. The arrest took place in Savannah, Georgia, after a multinational investigation led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Pernell has been a fugitive since 2020 after committing a murder in St Lucia and escaping custody in both St Lucia and Jamaica.
Pernell attempted to enter the United States near San Ysidro, California, in December 2022, under a fake identity. He was later arrested in July 2023 by the Clayton County Sheriff in Georgia for possession of a stolen motorcycle and evading arrest. During the arrest, authorities found a stolen 9mm handgun.
ICE HSI Special Agent in Charge Atlanta Steven N. Schrank stated, “We are committed to tracking down fugitives who pose a serious threat to public safety, no matter where they may try to hide. 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.”
The operation was successful due to the collaboration of ICE HSI, the ATF, and contributions from ICE HSI Caribbean, Bridgetown, and Kingston. Pernell was taken into custody without resistance and will face charges as an alien in possession of a weapon. He is expected to be extradited back to St Lucia to stand trial for murder.
ICE HSI emphasizes its priority to apprehend fugitives involved in violent crimes, particularly those evading justice by fleeing to the U.S. The public is encouraged to report information on fugitives or illegal activity to the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or through the online tip form.
