Mexican men found guilty of murdering Australian brothers on surf trip
Updated . First published
A Mexican court has found three Mexican men guilty of murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad in 2024.
The boy’s brothers’ parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, held hands as Judge Raúl Hernández Arellano made the decision in the trial that was held without a jury.
The pair were reportedly murdered in a robbery gone wrong alongside their American friend. Supplied
“Today’s guilty verdict is a significant moment in our long and painful journey to seek justice for our beautiful sons Callum and Jake, and their friend Carter Rhoad,” Martin Robinson said outside court.
“While no verdict can ever bring back our boys or ease the heartbreak of losing them, we hope this outcome represents an important step towards justice and accountability.
“Callum and Jake had their whole lives ahead of them, filled with dreams, love and promise. We will forever carry their memory in our hearts.
“They will never be forgotten.”
Debra and Martin arrived at the Ensenada court on Saturday seeking justice for their sons, who were killed during a surfing trip to Mexico’s Baja region in April 2024.
The three men, Jesus “El Kekas” Giraldo, the alleged ringleader, along with two co-defendants, Irineo Francisco and Angel Jesus were found guilty of aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery and violent vehicle theft.
The three men, wearing orange prison jumpsuits, stood emotionless as the verdict was read, not even speaking to each other during a break after the judgement.
Debra said following the verdict that she felt no different than she did before it was made.
“Callum and Jake are not here … a verdict is a good thing, but it doesn’t bring them back,” she said.
The trial judge accepted the Robinson family’s request to move the ruling forward to 10am local time so they could attend in person before returning home to Perth.
He addressed the boys’ parents directly in his closing remarks, stating he is “ashamed” of the reputation the deaths left with the parents.
“They are left with a bad impression of my country, that they come to know Mexico because of this,” he said.
“No amount of reparation can bring their children back; there is nothing I can do other than offer them a measure of justice through this. I offer my condolences.
“You, their parents, their spouse, have the right to be heard and to see some justice served.
“I am sorry that you have come to know my country under these circumstances, but I assure you that the good people among us far outnumber the bad.”
The three victims were shot dead during a robbery attempt that turned violent.
While initial reports suggested a random encounter, witness testimony during the trial revealed the attack may have been planned.
The court heard that a gang attempted to steal the tyres off the victims’ vehicle, meeting resistance before the men were shot with their bodies being found in 10-metre well shortly after.
Debra and Martin Robinson arriving at court in Ensenada for the closing arguments in the trial of three men accused of killing their sons. AP Photo/Karen Castaneda
It was heard that the three men begged for mercy before they were murdered, and that the killers later laughed about the fatal shootings.
The body of a local farmer was also found inside the well.
A fourth accomplice, Ari Gisell Garcia Cota, 23, was sentenced to 20 years in prison last November for her role in the killings.
Emotional statements were made during the trial’s final stages as prosecutors sought 150 years for each accused.
Addressing the court, Debra Robinson pleaded for an “exemplary punishment” for the accused.
Jake, 31, was a doctor who was set to start a job in Geelong while his brother Callum, 32, was a lacrosse player living in San Diego. Supplied
“Our children were taken from us, and our lives have been changed forever,” she told the court, questioning how her sons could die "at the hands of such ruthless people."
Natalie Rhoad, the widow of Jack Carter Rhoad, addressed the court via video link, describing life without her husband as "the greatest pain of my life" while expressing hope that the defendants would seek repentance.
Speaking to media outside the courthouse, Debra expressed gratitude for the global response to their tragic loss.
“We are deeply grateful for all the support and kindness we have received since arriving here,” she said.
“To everyone back in Australia and around the world, we feel your love and your arms around us.”
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