Mexican court convicts three men of murdering Australian and US surfers in Baja California

A court in Mexico's Baja California state on Friday found three men guilty of murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their US friend Carter Rhoad. The victims were killed in 2024 during a surfing trip. The three men have not yet been sentenced.

Jake Robinson was 30, Callum Robinson was 33 and Carter Rhoad was 30. They were attacked in a remote beach area during what was described as an apparent robbery. The Guardian and DW say they were camping there. DW places the site near the city of Ensenada. Their bodies were found days later in a well, with gunshot wounds to the head. The Guardian describes the well as a clifftop shaft.

The judge ruled that the three defendants, who are Mexican, acted with premeditation. The maximum prison sentence in Baja California is 60 years. Debra Robinson, the brothers' mother, burst into tears when the verdict was announced.

According to the BBC, the men's full names could not be given for legal reasons, and they were identified only as Jesús Gerardo, known as "El Kekas" and described as the alleged ringleader, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús. The Guardian says Jesús Gerardo's surname was not disclosed for legal reasons. The trial took place in Ensenada. The Guardian reports that it began on 7 September, and the BBC describes it as month-long. According to the Guardian, the attack took place in April 2024 and sentencing is scheduled for 16 October.

In November 2025, the girlfriend of the main defendant was sentenced to 20 years in prison in a separate trial, according to the BBC and the Guardian. The Guardian names her as Ary Gisell Silva. The BBC says she admitted involvement in the robbery. The Guardian says she admitted instigating it. According to DW, prosecutors recalled her testimony in closing arguments on Thursday. In that account, Rhoad begged for his life.

Baja California is one of Mexico's most violent states, affected by organised crime and drug trafficking. Cartel activity does not usually affect tourists.

What is disputed

Reports differ on the prison term the prosecution requested. The BBC says 150 years for each defendant. The Guardian and DW say 210 years. The reports do not explain how either figure relates to the 60-year maximum.

What each side says

DW reports that the prosecution called its request an "exemplary sentence".

The Guardian quoted Martin Robinson as saying outside court: "No outcome can ever undo this tragedy, but we hope today marks an important step towards justice." The Guardian quoted Debra Robinson as saying: "A verdict is a good thing, but it doesn't bring them back."

The Guardian quoted Carter Rhoad's fiancée, Natalie Weirtz, as saying: "The accused are guilty and must be punished so that no other family suffers the same pain."

After the killings, Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila said the state "is and will continue to be a state with safe tourism", according to the BBC.

The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not include any statement from the defence. They also do not say whether an appeal is planned.

Analysis

The verdict closes the trial phase, but key questions remain open. The reports differ on whether prosecutors sought 150 or 210 years. Neither figure is explained against Baja California's 60-year maximum. The sentencing hearing may clarify this. The absence of any defence statement in the reports limits a full picture of the case. It is not known whether an appeal will follow. The case has also renewed attention on visitor safety in the state. Officials have described it as safe for tourism. Local surfers have called for greater security. How authorities respond could shape perceptions among residents and international visitors alike.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.