Trial Opens in Mexico for Killings of Australian Surfers and American

A trial has begun in the Mexican coastal city of Ensenada for three men accused of murdering two Australian brothers and their American friend in 2024. The victims—Callum Ryan Robinson, 33, Jake Martin Robinson, 30, and Jack Carter Rhoad, 30—had gone missing while camping and surfing at a remote beach in Baja California.

The defendants, identified as Jesús Gerardo García (known as "El Kekas"), Irineo Francisco N., and Ángel Jesús N., face charges of murder and aggravated robbery. The surnames of the latter two were withheld under Mexican criminal procedure.

Prosecutors allege the three were killed during an attempt to steal their pickup truck, which was later found burned near where their bodies were discovered. The bodies were dumped in a cliff-top shaft, each with gunshot wounds to the head.

Jake and Callum's father attended the hearing with his wife. Speaking to reporters before entering the courthouse, he said, "I know they would want us to be here; they would do the same for us."

In a related development, García's former partner, Silva Raya, was sentenced last year to 20 years in prison after admitting she instigated the robbery to steal the pickup's tires.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Tuesday.