Illegal alien wanted for murder in Saint Lucia sentenced on federal firearms charge

ATLANTA - Orville Andrew Pernell, an illegal alien from Jamaica charged with murder in Saint Lucia, has been sentenced to federal prison for possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully present in the United States.

"After he was charged with murder, Pernell escaped custody twice in the Caribbean, entered the United States under a different identity, and then repeatedly endangered our community through his possession of stolen and high-powered firearms," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "All of our communities are safer with Pernell behind bars and subject to extradition to Saint Lucia to face murder charges."

"Individuals who attempt to hide behind false identities, cross international borders unlawfully, and traffic stolen firearms should understand that ATF and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue those who threaten public safety," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd, ATF Atlanta. "This case highlights ATF's critical role in tracing illegal firearms, disrupting trafficking networks, and ensuring dangerous offenders are removed from our communities."

"No one who flees justice abroad and threatens public safety in the United States will escape accountability," said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. "Through the coordinated efforts of HSI and our partners, Pernell has been apprehended, convicted, and when his sentence concludes will be returned to face murder charges in Saint Lucia."

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Pernell was charged with murder in Saint Lucia on October 8, 2020. While awaiting trial, he escaped custody in Saint Lucia and was arrested in Jamaica on July 21, 2021. He then escaped Jamaican custody while awaiting his extradition to Saint Lucia.

Nearly 18 months later, American immigration authorities encountered Pernell attempting to illegally enter the United States at an unmanned area near the San Ysidro point of entry at the California border with Mexico. Pernell identified himself as "Oneil Christopher Reid," and was allowed to enter the United States pending further immigration proceedings.

On July 21, 2023, sheriff's deputies in Clayton County, Georgia stopped Pernell for driving 115 miles per hour on a motorcycle. Deputies searched Pernell and found a stolen firearm in his jacket pocket. Although deputies arrested him for speeding, fleeing, driving without a license, and receiving stolen property, Pernell posted bail and was released from custody within less than two months.

In 2025, federal law enforcement determined Pernell was in the United States using the Reid alias. He was arrested on April 4, 2025, while agents simultaneously executed a search warrant at his home in Hinesville, Georgia. At the home, agents found another stolen handgun and an assault rifle with a loaded high-capacity magazine.

On February 11, 2026, Pernell pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. While in federal custody, Pernell repeatedly damaged the cell walls at his pretrial detention facility in apparent escape attempts.

Orville Andrew Pernell, a/k/a Oneil Christopher Reid, 33, of Saint Mary, Jamaica, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson to 33 months of imprisonment. After he serves his sentence in the United States, he will be subject to removal and extradition proceedings.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Clayton County Sheriff's Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wylly prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.