Three men found guilty of Mexican surfer murders
A court in Baja California finds three men guilty of murdering two Australian surfer brothers and their US friend in Mexico in 2024.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Three men found guilty of murdering three tourists in Mexico
- The victims were targeted during a surfing trip in Baja California
- Prosecutors sought 150-year prison sentences for each defendant
- Victims' bodies were discovered in a well with gunshot wounds
A court in northern Baja California, Mexico, has found three men guilty of murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson along with their American friend Carter Rhoad during a surfing trip in 2024. The defendants could not be named in full due to legal reasons and were identified solely as Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco, and Ángel Jesús, awaiting sentencing where they likely face life imprisonment.
During proceedings in the secluded beach area, the court was informed that the tourists were killed during a botched truck robbery attempt. Their bodies were subsequently recovered from a well bearing gunshot wounds to the head, sending shockwaves internationally and particularly in Australia given the coastal region's reputation for safety compared to other parts of Mexico.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Debra Robinson and her husband Martin attended court sessions throughout the trial in the coastal town of Ensenada, delivering emotional testimony during closing arguments prior to Friday's verdict. Family members of Carter Rhoad participated via video link, while prosecutors pursued 150-year prison terms for each of the three defendants over the month-long trial.
This high-profile case highlights ongoing security challenges in certain regions of Mexico that heavily rely on international tourism. Even in areas traditionally viewed as welcoming havens for adventure travelers, such violent incidents underscore the unpredictable risks visitors may encounter.
In November prior to this verdict, the girlfriend of alleged ringleader Jesús Gerardo, known as "El Kekas," received a 20-year prison sentence in a separate trial after admitting involvement in the robbery. The tragic events occurred roughly 36 hours after the victims crossed from the United States into Mexico, though their bodies remained undiscovered for a week.
"Baja California is and will continue to be a state with safe tourism for the thousands of people who visit us from the rest of the country and the world."
Marina del Pilar Ávila
Local surfers in Ensenada previously organized paddle-out tributes and threw flowers into the sea to honor the men, while demanding enhanced security measures from authorities. In response to public concern, state Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila sought to reassure visitors about regional safety standards.
Source: BBC World
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