The trial of three men accused of killing two Australian brothers and their American friend has begun in Mexico’s Baja California state.
The three defendants face murder and aggravated robbery charges over the deaths of the men, who disappeared while camping and surfing at a remote beach in Baja California in 2024.
Jesús Gerardo García, known as “El Kekas,” appeared in court in the coastal city of Ensenada alongside two other defendants. They were identified as Irineo Francisco N. and Ángel Jesús N. Mexican criminal procedure allows the surnames of some defendants to be withheld.
The victims were identified as Australian brothers Callum Ryan Robinson, 33, and Jake Martin Robinson, 30, along with their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30.
Bodies Found Days After Disappearance
The three victims were found several days after they went missing. Their bodies had been dumped in a shaft near a cliff and showed gunshot wounds to the head.
Prosecutors allege that the men were killed during an attempt to steal their pickup truck. The vehicle was later found burned near the location where the bodies were discovered.
Meanwhile, the victims’ families have attended the court proceedings as they seek answers over the killings.
Martin Robinson, the father of the two Australian brothers, was present at Monday’s hearing with his wife. Before entering the courthouse, he spoke briefly to reporters.
“I know they would want us to be here; they would do the same for us,” he said.
Prosecutors Outline Robbery Motive
According to prosecutors, the killings occurred as the defendants allegedly attempted to steal the victims’ pickup. Investigators believe the vehicle was targeted for its tires.
García’s former partner, Silva Raya, was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year. She admitted to prosecutors that she had instigated the robbery in an effort to steal the pickup’s tires.
The prosecution’s case is now being examined in court as the trial proceeds. The defendants will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them during the proceedings.
The case attracted international attention because the victims were foreign nationals who had travelled to Baja California for surfing and camping. Their deaths also raised concerns about security in remote coastal areas frequented by tourists.
The trial is scheduled to continue on Tuesday. Further evidence and testimony are expected as the court examines the circumstances surrounding the three deaths.
