Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, and their American friend Carter Rhoad, were killed while on a surf trip in Baja California in 2024
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A Mexican judge has sentenced three men to 158 years and nine months in prison each for the murder of two Australian brothers and their American friend during a 2024 surf trip to the state of Baja California.
The defendants were declared guilty a week ago of homicide, aggravated robbery, robbery with violence and vehicle theft with violence, crimes committed against Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, and their American friend Carter Rhoad.
Rhoad and the Robinsons were shot dead in a suspected robbery while travelling through Mexico .
They were camping in a remote beachside area near the city of Ensenada when they were attacked on 27 April, 2024.
Their bodies were found days later in a cliff-top well with gunshot wounds to the heads.
Jesus Gerardo – known as “El Kekas” – was accused of leading the attack. His surname has not been disclosed for legal reasons.
Two other defendants, Irineo Francisco and Angel Jesus, were also found guilty and have been sentenced.
The families of the victims followed the sentencing hearing via video link.
Prosecutors had requested damages of more than $100,000 but the judge ruled against it and said any compensation would have to be pursued through civil proceedings.
The brothers’ parents, Martin and Debra Robinson, travelled from Australia to the port city of Ensenada for the trial, which began on 7 September.
They have established a foundation in their sons’ names to carry on their legacy.
The Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation aims to “help people live bigger, shine brighter and love harder in their honour”.
Callum, the older of the two brothers, moved to the US as a professional lacrosse player and has been remembered for his loving nature and passion for the environment, having been involved in coastal cleanups.
Jake, a doctor, was set to take up a position at Geelong hospital after returning to Australia.
He has been remembered for his academic success, his passion for all sport, particularly cricket and surfing, and his compassion.
Baja California is one of Mexico’s most violent states, plagued by organised crime and drug trafficking, although cartel activity does not usually affect tourists. Other foreign visitors have, however, been targeted in criminal attacks on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Two Australian surfers, Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman, were killed in 2015 while travelling through the north-western state of Sinaloa. Their bodies were later burned.