Three men have gone on trial in Mexico over the alleged murders of two Australian brothers and their American friend during a 2024 surf trip.
Callum Robinson, his younger brother Jake, and their friend Carter Rhoad from California disappeared while travelling through Baja California. Their bodies were later found at the bottom of a well near Ensenada, with gunshot wounds to their heads. The three victims were in their early 30s and had been on a surfing trip when they went missing.
The trial began on Tuesday in the coastal town of Ensenada, where the parents of the Australian brothers attended the proceedings. Martin and Debra Robinson described their presence in court as “incredibly important and overwhelmingly difficult”.
“We want the men accused of murdering our sons to see, in person, the human consequences of what happened,” the couple said, according to Australia’s ABC.
They said their sons were not simply victims in a case file but loved members of their family and wider community. The three defendants are Jesús “El Kekas” Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús. They face murder charges as well as allegations of violent robbery and auto theft.
Potential 200 Years Sentence
Mexican prosecutors are seeking prison sentences exceeding 200 years for the defendants. They are also pursuing an additional 168-year sentence for the alleged ringleader. Prosecutors allege that the three men were killed during a robbery that went wrong. The defence, however, has argued that there is insufficient evidence to establish that theory.
Dozens of witnesses are expected to testify during the four-week trial, which is being heard by a judge without a jury.
The alleged killings shocked Australia and residents of Ensenada, a popular destination for surfers and tourists. Callum Robinson was a member of Australia’s national lacrosse team and lived in San Diego, where he played professionally. Jake had travelled from Australia for the surf trip and was due to begin work as a doctor after returning home. Their friend Rhoad, who was from California, was killed only months before his planned wedding.
The trial is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and evidence linking the defendants to the alleged crimes.
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