A Mexican judge has sentenced three men to 158 years and nine months in prison each for their roles in the 2024 deaths of Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend, Carter Rhoad. The victims were killed during a surfing trip in the state of Baja California.
The individuals, including Jesus Gerardo—known as “El Kekas”—along with Irineo Francisco and Angel Jesus, were convicted last week. The court found them guilty of multiple charges, including homicide, aggravated robbery, and vehicle theft involving violence. Gerardo was identified by authorities as the lead perpetrator of the attack, which occurred while the three travelers were moving through the region. Rhoad and the Robinsons were shot dead in a suspected robbery while travelling through Mexico.
Martin and Debra Robinson, the parents of the Australian brothers, traveled from Australia to the port city of Ensenada to attend the proceedings, which commenced on September 7. In the wake of the tragedy, the couple established the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation. The organization aims to honor their sons by helping individuals “live bigger, shine brighter and love harder.”
While tourism remains a significant part of the Mexican economy, the country continues to face challenges with organized crime and drug trafficking. Although such violence does not typically target tourists, previous incidents have occurred, including the 2015 deaths of Australian surfers Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman in the state of Sinaloa. The case in Baja California has drawn international attention to the risks facing foreign visitors in certain regions of the country. His surname has not been disclosed for legal reasons. However, been targeted in criminal attacks on Mexico’s Pacific coast, other foreign visitors have. Free app or daily news podcast, get our breaking news email.
