Mexico Trial Begins Over Alleged Murders of Australian Surfer Brothers

Three men have gone on trial today in the coastal town of Ensenada, Mexico, for the 2024 murders of Callum and Jake Robinson, Australian brothers, and their California friend Carter Rhoad.

The trio’s bodies were discovered at the bottom of a well, each with fatal gunshot wounds to the head, days after they vanished while surfing near the Sea of Cortez.

Prosecutors are seeking sentences that exceed 200 years for each defendant, adding an additional 168-year term for the alleged ringleader. The accused also face charges of violent robbery and theft of a vehicle.

The parents of the Robinson brothers, Martin and Debra, appeared in court, describing the case as “incredibly important and overwhelmingly difficult.” They urged the accused “to see, in person, the human consequences of what happened.”

During the opening day, the accused—Jesús “El Kekas” Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús—were moved to a smaller courtroom amid concerns that witnesses had been intimidated by people linked to the defendants.

The judge‑only trial will span four weeks and involve dozens of witnesses hoping to uncover the truth behind the robbery that allegedly turned deadly.

The murders shocked locals and tourists alike, as Baja California’s surf towns are usually considered safe compared to northern Mexican border states rife with cartel violence.

A prior conviction last year saw the ex‑girlfriend of one of the accused, Ari Gisell, receive a 20‑year sentence for her alleged role in the killings.

Callum had played for Australia’s national lacrosse team and was living in San Diego as a professional athlete. His younger brother Jake had come back from Sydney to start his career as a doctor before the trip; their friend Rhoad was months away from his wedding when he was killed.