Three men have been found guilty of murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad during a surfing trip in Mexico in 2024.
The defendants, identified as Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús, are awaiting sentencing following the verdict delivered on Friday in Baja California. They face potentially lengthy prison terms, with prosecutors having sought 150 years in prison for each man.
During the trial in the northern Mexican state, prosecutors said the three tourists were killed during an apparent robbery attempt targeting their vehicle near a secluded beach. The victims’ bodies were subsequently discovered in a well, each with gunshot wounds to the head.
The killings drew international attention, particularly in Australia, where the brothers’ deaths shocked the surfing community and raised concerns about the safety of tourists visiting the region.
Families Describe Their Loss
The Robinson brothers’ parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, attended proceedings in the coastal town of Ensenada throughout the trial. Following the verdict, Debra told the court that the murders had taken away the future the family had imagined sharing with their sons.
Martin also spoke about the pain of losing both children, saying, “It’s hard for a parent to lose a son, and we lost two sons.” Relatives of Carter Rhoad participated in the proceedings through a video link.
Speaking to reporters a week before the verdict, Debra said the family was deeply grateful for the support they had received from Australians during the ordeal. The month-long trial examined the circumstances surrounding the killings, which occurred shortly after the three friends crossed into Mexico from the United States.
Their bodies were not discovered until approximately a week later, when their families were able to identify them.
Separate Trial for Accomplice
In a separate case in November 2025, the girlfriend of the alleged ringleader, Jesús Gerardo, who was also known as “El Kekas”, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after admitting involvement in the robbery.
The murders had also prompted concern among residents and tourists in Ensenada, a coastal destination popular with surfers. Local surfers organised a paddle-out tribute, throwing flowers into the sea in memory of the victims. Community members also called for stronger security measures to protect residents and visitors.
Tourism remains an important part of Baja California’s economy, and the killings intensified concerns about violent crime in the region. Following the murders, state Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila sought to reassure the public that Baja California remained a safe destination for visitors.
The guilty verdict brings a major development in the case, although the three defendants are still awaiting their sentences.
