Three men accused of murdering two Australian surfers and an American friend in Mexico went on trial Monday, two years after the killings in a suspected robbery. The parents of the victims were present as proceedings began in Ensenada, Baja California.
Three men face trial for 2024 killings of Australian and American surfers
Three men—Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco, and Ángel Jesús—are on trial in Ensenada, Mexico, for the alleged murders of Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend, Jack Carter Rhoad. The victims, aged 30 to 33, were killed in April 2024 during a surfing trip in Baja California. Prosecutors allege the men were shot execution-style after their pickup truck was targeted in a robbery attempt. Their bodies were found in a cliff-top shaft days later, with gunshot wounds to the heads.
Parents of victims attend court as trial begins
Martin and Debra Robinson, parents of Callum and Jake, traveled from Perth to Ensenada for the trial’s opening day. They addressed the court, stating their presence was to ensure the accused witnessed the human consequences of their actions. Debra Robinson was visibly distressed in the courtroom, while Martin Robinson told reporters, “We want to find out what happened. We want to find out why.”
Prosecutors seek sentences exceeding 200 years
Mexican prosecutors are pursuing sentences of over 200 years for the defendants, who also face charges of aggravated robbery and auto theft. The trial, expected to last four weeks, is being overseen by a judge who appeared remotely due to scheduling constraints. A previous judge recused himself after an accident over the weekend, according to court officials.
Witness testimony begins with accounts of violence and intimidation
Three witnesses testified on the first day, including the stepson of one defendant, who described his stepfather as violent. Testifying from an adjoining room with his face concealed, he claimed to have accompanied the accused to the crime scene. Another witness, Ari Gisell, was previously convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the murders. Prosecutors allege the defendants intentionally ambushed the surfers, shooting them with firearms before dumping their bodies.
Surfers' backgrounds and the investigation
Callum and Jake Robinson, both in their early 30s, were avid surfers who had traveled to Mexico from Australia and the U.S. Their friend, Jack Carter Rhoad, was a 30-year-old from California. The trio had been camping in a remote beachside area when they were reported missing on April 27, 2024. Their bodies were discovered on May 3, 2024, after an extensive search. Investigators confirmed all three victims were executed with gunshots to the head.
Security measures amid concerns of witness intimidation
The trial moved to a smaller courtroom after accusations surfaced that witnesses had been intimidated by associates of the defendants. Dozens of additional witnesses are expected to testify during the proceedings. The case has drawn international attention, particularly in Australia, where the killings shocked the public. Despite high cartel violence in northern Mexico, tourist areas like Ensenada are generally considered safe for surfers.