Family of alleged killers of Aussie brothers threatened witnesses, court told
Updated . First published at
The three men accused of murdering two Australian brothers in Mexico have been removed from court on the first day of their trial after being accused of intimidating witnesses.
Jack and Callum Robinson, from Perth, and their US friend Jack Carter Road, were shot dead in what’s believed to be a robbery gone wrong in the Baja California region of Mexico, in April 2024.
Callum and Jake Robinson were on a surf trip in Mexico when they were shot dead. Supplied
Parents Deborah and Martin Robinson are attending the 20-day trial, which will seek to determine the responsibility of three men charged over the trio’s deaths.
The Robinson parents stared down the accused killers as they entered the courtroom.
Outside, Deborah Robinson told 9News it was “very important” that she and her husband were here.
“We’re doing this because we believe Callum and Jake would want us to be here,” she said.
Dad Martin Robinson also emphasised the importance of their attendance.
“It’s about representing our sons, being here for them,” he told 9News.
“I know they want us to be here. They would do the same for us.”
Witnesses in the court have described hearing shots fired at the time, as well as revealing what they knew of plans to rob the tourists.
Some said they had received threats by family members of the accused, and did not want to deliver their testimony with the three alleged killers in the courtroom.
9News understands the trio were removed for some of the witness testimony.
Among the three men accused of murdering the Robinsons and Road is the alleged ringleader, Jesus “El Kekas” Giraldo.
Deborah and Martin Robinson arrive at court in Mexico. Nine
If found guilty, he could face up to 378 years in jail, while his alleged co-accused could face 210 years.
It’s alleged Giraldo and the others tried to steal the tyres off the Robinson’s and Road’s car before the travellers intervened and fought back.
Last November, Ari Gisell Garcia Cota, 23, was jailed for 20 years over having a role in the deaths.
The brothers and Road had been on a surf trip in the region.
Callum and Jack Robinson with their parents Martin and Deborah. Supplied
Dozens of witnesses are scheduled along the 20-day trial, but already there’s been a hiccup.
The judge who was meant to be presiding has been replaced after an unspecified accident by another judge who partook in the trial today via video feed.
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