Three Men Sentenced to 158 Years for Murders of Australian and US Surfers in Mexico
A Mexican judge has sentenced three men to 158 years and nine months in prison each for the murders of Australian brothers Jake Robinson and Callum Robinson and American Carter Rhoad. The Guardian reported the sentences.
Jake Robinson and Callum Robinson were brothers from Perth, Australia. They were travelling with Rhoad, their American friend. The three were on a surf trip to Baja California in 2024.
They were shot dead while travelling through Mexico. The killings were described as a suspected robbery.
The court convicted the three defendants of homicide, aggravated robbery, robbery with violence and vehicle theft with violence. The convictions cover the killings and the violent taking of property and a vehicle.
The three men convicted are Mexican nationals. Jesus Gerardo, known as "El Kekas," was accused of leading the attack on the surfers. Irineo Francisco and Angel Jesus were the two other defendants found guilty and sentenced.
The trial began on 7 September in the port city of Ensenada. A local judge in Ensenada issued the guilty verdict on a Friday, Spectrum News reported. The proceedings took place in the city where the case was heard.
Martin and Debra Robinson, the parents of Jake and Callum, travelled from Australia to Ensenada for the trial. Their presence meant the families of the victims followed the case in court. The Robinson brothers’ home city of Perth was noted during coverage of the trial, The New York Times reported.
Prosecutors in Baja California had requested 210-year prison terms for the killers, according to DW. The sentences handed down were shorter than that request.
