Three men have been convicted in Mexico for the murders of two Australian brothers and their American friend following a tragic surfing trip in May 2024. The victims, identified as 30-year-old Jake Robinson and his 33-year-old brother Callum, both from Australia, along with San Diego resident Carter Rhoad, were discovered at the bottom of a well in Baja California.
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The guilty verdict was announced by Judge Raúl Hernández in Ensenada on 9 October, leading to a sense of closure for the victims’ families. The defendants—Jesús Gerardo García, Irineo Francisco, and Ángel Jesús—had been in custody for over two years prior to their conviction. In addition to the murder charges, they were also found guilty of armed robbery and carjacking.
The bodies of the three surfers were found on 3 May 2024, after a week of being reported missing. Officials stated that all three had suffered gunshot wounds, and prosecutors suggested their deaths were the result of a failed robbery attempt. Earlier, on 27 April, the trio had been seen enjoying a camping trip along the Mexican coastline, south of Ensenada.
Following the verdict, Martin and Debra Robinson, parents of the deceased brothers, expressed their anguish to the media outside the courtroom. Debra, who had given testimony during the trial, remarked, “They took our sons from our lives forever… What hurts us most is that, in their final hours, they were treated with such cruelty.” Martin Robinson emphasised the significance of the verdict, calling it a pivotal moment in their lengthy fight for justice.
The case includes a disturbing account provided by Ary Gisell Silva Raya, the former girlfriend of García. Silva Raya received a 20-year prison sentence in November 2025 after admitting to instigating the robbery. She testified that García confessed to her about his actions, claiming he approached the victims’ tent with a firearm. During her testimony, she recounted how the surfers attempted to defend themselves, tossing their belongings in a bid to avoid violence.
In a statement, officials from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade acknowledged the court’s decision as an important step towards justice, yet the sorrow of the families remains profoundly poignant. Debra Robinson articulated her feelings, stating, “I don’t feel any different today as I did yesterday… A verdict is a good thing, but it doesn’t bring them back.” She further revealed her struggle to cope with her loss and the decision to establish a foundation in her sons’ names to honour their memories.
The sentencing of the three convicted men is scheduled for 16 October, with the Baja California State Attorney General’s Office advocating for an exemplary punishment of 210 years in prison for each defendant. The harrowing events surrounding this case highlight the need for constant vigilance regarding safety in remote locations, particularly for tourists.
As the community in both Australia and the United States reflects on this tragic loss, the Robinson family is determined to remember their sons not just through their tragedy but also via their foundation’s mission of promoting joy and love in the lives of others. The legal process may have led to convictions, but for the bereaved families, the journey toward healing continues amidst profound grief and sorrow.