In brief
A trial in Ensenada, Mexico, has opened against three men accused of murdering Australian surfing brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad during a surf trip in 2024. The defendants face more than 200-year jail sentences for murder, robbery and auto theft, while witnesses speak of intimidation. The brothers’ parents are present, urging a clear reckoning of the human cost. The case highlights the tense border environment and the often-overlooked violent threats to tourists in Baja California's surf towns.
Three men are on trial in Ensenada for alleged murders, robbery and auto theft that culminated in the death of Australian surfing brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their US friend Carter Rhoad.
The bodies were recovered from the bottom of a well with gunshot wounds to the heads, a few days after they disappeared during a surf excursion in Baja California, Mexico.
Prosecutors are seeking sentences over 200 years for each defendant. The case also carries an additional 168‑year sentence for an alleged ringleader.
Parents Martin and Debra Robinson appeared in court, describing the trial as "incredibly important and overwhelmingly difficult" and insisting the accused see the human costs of their crime.
Defendants and setting. The accused – Jesús "El Kekas" Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús – were moved to a smaller courtroom on the opening day amid concerns that witnesses had been intimidated by individuals linked to the defendants.
Over four weeks, dozens of witnesses are expected to testify in a judge‑only trial. Prosecutors argue the killings were the result of a botched robbery, while the defence questions insufficient evidence for that narrative.
The victims were early adults. Callum was a former Australian national lacrosse team member and lived in San Diego as a professional lacrosse player. Jake was from Australia and was en route to start a medical job when murdered. Their friend Carter had been killed months earlier before his wedding.
The case has shocked both Australians and residents of Ensenada, a town usually known for its calm surf culture but not for violent cartel‑influenced criminal activity.
