ENSENADA, Mexico — Three men have been found guilty of murdering two Australian brothers and their American friend during a surfing holiday in Mexico in 2024, bringing a closely watched trial to a conclusion more than two years after the killings.
A judge in the Mexican state of Baja California convicted Jesús Gerardo García, known as “El Kekas”, Irineo Francisco, and Ángel Jesús of aggravated homicide and related robbery offences on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The victims, Australian brothers Jake Robinson and Callum Robinson, and their American friend Carter Redd Rhoad, were shot dead while camping near a remote beach on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
The defendants, whose identities have been partly withheld under Mexican legal provisions, are scheduled to be sentenced on October 16.
Prosecutors have requested prison terms of 210 years for each defendant, although the maximum sentence permitted under Baja California law is 60 years.
Families Hear Verdict After Two-Year Wait
The brothers’ parents, Martin Robinson and Debra Robinson, travelled from Western Australia to attend the proceedings in Ensenada.
Their mother wept when the judge delivered the guilty verdict, according to the BBC.
Speaking outside the courthouse, their father welcomed the convictions but said the decision could not compensate for the deaths.
“While no verdict can ever bring back our boys or ease the heartbreak of losing them, we hope this outcome represents an important step towards justice and accountability,” he said.
The brothers’ mother had earlier urged the court to impose the maximum available punishment.
During her testimony, she described the lasting consequences of losing both her children.
“They took our sons from our lives forever,” she told the court. “What hurts us most is that, in their final hours, they were treated with such cruelty.”
Rhoad’s mother, Page Rhoad, and his fiancée, Natalie Weirtz, also participated in the proceedings by video link from the United States.
Weirtz urged the court to impose punishment that would prevent other families from experiencing similar losses.
Surfers Killed During Attempted Robbery
The three friends travelled to Baja California in April 2024 to surf along the region’s Pacific coastline.
Jake, a doctor from Perth, had travelled to California to visit Callum, a former lacrosse player who had moved to the United States.
They were accompanied by Rhoad, an American friend.
The men were camping near Punta San José, about 80 kilometres from Ensenada, when they were attacked.
According to prosecutors, the killings occurred during a robbery involving the victims’ vehicle.
The three disappeared in late April, prompting a search involving Mexican authorities and assistance from the United States.
Their bodies were discovered on May 3 at the bottom of a well. Investigators established that all three had suffered gunshot wounds to the head.
A burned vehicle belonging to the victims was also recovered.
Prosecutors maintained that the attackers had intended to steal the men’s vehicle and other possessions.
The judge found that the defendants had acted with premeditation.
Court Hears Details of Fatal Attack
Testimony presented during the trial described how the men were confronted at their campsite.
A former girlfriend of García, Ary Gisell Silva Raya, testified that he had told her about the killings.
According to her evidence, García approached the victims’ tent carrying a 9mm pistol.
The men attempted to surrender their possessions, and at least one pleaded for his life, but the attacker proceeded to shoot them.
The court also heard evidence concerning the defendants’ involvement in the robbery and the subsequent disposal of the victims’ bodies.
Defence lawyers challenged the reliability of the investigation and questioned aspects of the prosecution’s evidence.
Judge Raúl Hernández Arellano rejected those arguments, finding that testimony from several witnesses was sufficiently consistent and credible to support the convictions.
The proceedings began in September and continued for approximately a month.
Fourth Suspect Previously Sentenced
Silva Raya had already been convicted over her involvement in the events leading to the murders.
In November 2025, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery and vehicle theft involving violence.
Prosecutors said she had encouraged the robbery, which was intended to obtain parts from the victims’ vehicle.
Her testimony subsequently became part of the prosecution’s case against García and the two other defendants.
According to the Associated Press, investigators arrested the suspects in May 2024, shortly after the bodies were discovered.
Parents Establish Foundation in Sons’ Memory
The Robinson brothers’ deaths attracted international attention and prompted widespread expressions of sympathy in Australia and the United States.
Jake, 31, had been preparing to return to Australia to begin a medical position at a hospital in Geelong.
Callum, 32, had lived in the United States for more than a decade after pursuing opportunities in lacrosse.
Their parents have established the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation to support young people and preserve their sons’ legacy.
Speaking after the verdict, the family thanked the Mexican court, prosecutors, witnesses, Australian diplomatic representatives, and those who had supported them throughout the proceedings.
The convictions resolve the question of the three defendants’ criminal responsibility, but the court must still determine their sentences.
Baja California prosecutors have said they will continue seeking the most severe punishment permitted by law.
