Jamaican Fugitive Wanted for Murder in Saint Lucia Arraigned in Georgia on Firearm Charge
Orville Andrew Pernell, also known as “Oneil Christopher Reid,” 32, of Saint Mary, Jamaica, was arraigned today on a federal charge of possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully present in the United States. The arraignment took place before United States Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins, III. Pernell was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Georgia on April 23, 2025.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., Pernell is an international fugitive with a history of escaping custody after being charged with the murder of Clius Alfred in Saint Lucia on October 8, 2020. Pernell allegedly escaped custody in Saint Lucia while awaiting trial and later escaped custody in Jamaica while awaiting extradition to Saint Lucia after being arrested there on July 21, 2021.
Pernell was encountered by U.S. immigration authorities on December 7, 2022, while attempting to illegally enter the United States near the San Ysidro point of entry. He provided a false name, “Oneil Christopher Reid,” and was allowed to enter the country pending further immigration proceedings.
On July 21, 2023, Pernell, using the Reid alias, was stopped by the Clayton County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office for driving a motorcycle at 115 miles per hour. After a brief attempt to flee, he was apprehended. The motorcycle was determined to be stolen, and a subsequent search revealed a stolen firearm in his jacket pocket, which was traced back to a Southern Freight Lines firearms shipment. He was arrested on state charges related to the stolen vehicle and firearm, as well as evading arrest.
Now facing a federal charge of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, Pernell has been ordered detained pending trial. Upon the conclusion of the proceedings in the United States, he is subject to removal and extradition back to Saint Lucia.
Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, Jr. praised the collaborative efforts of U.S., Saint Lucian, and Jamaican law enforcement agencies in Pernell’s identification and apprehension.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka stated, “Law enforcement collaboration is instrumental in apprehending violent individuals locally and internationally. This arraignment sends a direct message to criminals that ATF and our local and international law enforcement partners will investigate and protect its citizens.”
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, added, “Pernell’s ability to evade law enforcement in multiple countries and unlawfully enter the United States under a false identity underscores the importance of strong global partnerships. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of HSI and our domestic and international counterparts, a dangerous individual is now off the streets and facing justice.”
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Wylly prosecuting.
An indictment contains only a charge; a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
