Three men are convicted of murdering Australian surfer brothers and US friend in Mexico

From the Newshound archive · first published 9 October 2026 · last updated 10 October 2026.

A Mexican judge in Ensenada has found three men guilty in connection with the 2024 killings of Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad, who were shot during a surfing trip along Baja California's Pacific coast in what prosecutors described as a robbery gone fatally wrong. Jesús Gerardo García, known as "El Kekas," was accused of masterminding the attack and was convicted alongside Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús; the judge ruled that all three had acted with premeditation. The defendants, who had been in custody for more than two years, were also convicted of armed robbery and armed carjacking. Jake and Callum Robinson's parents, Martin and Debra Robinson, flew from Australia to attend the trial.

Debra Robinson testified on the final day of proceedings and wept as the verdict was read out: 'In their final hours, they were treated with such cruelty.'

The triple killing in April 2024 caused profound shock in both Australia and the United States and drew widespread international condemnation.

Outside court, Martin Robinson thanked the judge and court staff, calling the verdict 'a significant moment in our long and painful journey to seek justice.'