Three Men Found Guilty of Murdering Australian Surfer Brothers and American Friend in Mexico
Mexican Court Convicts Three Men in Triple Murder Case
A Mexican court has found three men guilty of murdering two Australian brothers and their American friend during a surfing trip in Baja California in April 2024. The verdict follows a closely watched trial that attracted international attention and renewed concerns about tourist safety in Mexico.
The victims were Australian brothers Jake Robinson, 30, and Callum Robinson, 33, and their American friend Carter Redd Rhoad, 30.
The three defendants were identified as Jesús Gerardo García, known as “El Kekas,” Irineo Francisco “N” and Ángel Jesús “N.” A judge in Ensenada found them guilty of the killings on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The defendants were also convicted of offences involving armed robbery and vehicle theft. The court is expected to announce their sentences on October 16.
Prosecutors sought lengthy prison terms for the convicted men. The verdict marks a significant development in a case that devastated the victims’ families and shocked communities in Australia, the United States and Mexico.
What Happened to the Three Surfers?
The Robinson brothers and Rhoad were visiting Mexico’s Pacific coast for a surfing trip when they disappeared in late April 2024.
They had been camping near Punta San José, approximately 80 kilometres south of Ensenada, in Baja California. Their disappearance prompted a search involving Mexican authorities and assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On May 3, 2024, investigators discovered the three men’s bodies at the bottom of a well. Authorities said all three victims had suffered gunshot wounds to the head.
Their vehicle was also found burned near the area.
The discovery turned the missing-person investigation into a triple murder case. News of the deaths sparked grief among relatives and friends, while the circumstances surrounding the killings drew widespread international attention.
Prosecutors Say the Attack Began as a Robbery
During the trial, prosecutors argued that the defendants targeted the surfers in an attempted robbery and vehicle theft.
According to the prosecution’s account, the attackers wanted to steal the victims’ pickup truck. The surfers were allegedly shot after resisting the robbery.
Evidence presented during the proceedings included testimony concerning the events leading to the killings. Investigators also examined the circumstances surrounding the victims’ disappearance, the discovery of their bodies and the recovery of the burned vehicle.
Jesús Gerardo García, known as “El Kekas,” was accused of playing a leading role in the attack.
The court ultimately found all three defendants guilty of the offences brought against them. The convictions followed a trial that lasted several weeks and included testimony from people connected to the victims and the investigation.
Victims’ Families Attend the Trial
The families of the victims travelled to Mexico to follow the proceedings and seek justice for their loved ones.
Martin and Debra Robinson, the parents of Jake and Callum, travelled from Perth, Australia, to attend the trial in Ensenada.
Debra Robinson addressed the court during the proceedings, describing the profound loss suffered by her family. She said the killings had taken away the future they had imagined with their sons.
Rhoad’s family also participated in the case. His fiancée, Natalie Weirtz, spoke to the court through a video call from the United States.
The families’ participation highlighted the lasting impact of the killings and the emotional weight of the proceedings.
For the relatives, the guilty verdict represents an important legal milestone, although the sentencing decision remains outstanding.
Woman Previously Sentenced for Involvement
Another person connected to the case, Gisell Silva Raya, was sentenced in November 2025 after pleading guilty to offences related to robbery and vehicle theft.
She received a 20-year prison sentence for her involvement.
Her case was handled separately from the trial involving the three men convicted on October 9, 2026.
Sentencing Expected on October 16
The court is expected to announce the three men’s sentences on October 16. Prosecutors have sought substantial prison terms, reflecting the seriousness of the crimes.
The case has also renewed attention on security in Baja California, a Mexican state affected by violent crime and organised criminal activity.
Authorities and tourism observers have faced questions about how visitors can be protected while travelling through remote coastal areas.
For the families of Jake and Callum Robinson and Carter Rhoad, the verdict marks an important step toward accountability. However, the sentencing hearing will determine the punishment imposed on the three convicted men.
The case remains a painful reminder of the dangers that can arise when travellers become victims of violent crime abroad.
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