Three men convicted of murdering Australian surfer brothers and US friend in Mexico

Three men have been found guilty of murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, along with their American friend Carter Rhoad, during a surfing trip in Mexico in 2024. For legal reasons, the convicted men could only be identified as Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús. Sentencing has not yet taken place, though the men are expected to face lengthy prison terms.

The trial, held in the northern state of Baja California, heard that the three tourists were killed during an apparent robbery attempt targeting their truck in a remote beach area. Their bodies were later discovered with gunshot wounds to the head, having been dumped in a well.

The killings caused widespread shock internationally, particularly in Australia, given that the coastal region involved is generally considered safer than other parts of Mexico affected by violence.

Debra Robinson, mother of the two Australian victims, addressed the court during the trial, describing how the loss of her sons had destroyed the future the family had envisioned together. She and her husband, Martin Robinson, attended court proceedings throughout the case, held in the coastal town of Ensenada, and gave emotional statements during closing arguments ahead of the verdict delivered on Friday.