Trial Begins Over Fatal Carjacking of Australian Surfing Brothers in Mexico

Three men face a judge‑only trial in Ensenada for the alleged murders of Australian surfers Callum and Jake Robinson, and their American friend Carter Rhoad. The bodies of all three were discovered with gunshot wounds to the head at the bottom of a well, days after the trio vanished during a surf trip in Baja California.

Prosecutors are seeking a combined sentence of more than 200 years for each defendant, charged with murder, violent robbery and auto theft. A fourth suspect, identified as the alleged ringleader, faces an additional 168‑year sentence.

Parents Martin and Debra Robinson were present at the opening hearing, describing the case as “incredibly important and overwhelmingly difficult.” They urged the court to understand the human cost of their sons’ deaths.

The accused—Jesús "El Kekas" Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús—were transferred to a smaller courtroom amid reports that some witnesses had been intimidated by associates of the defendants.

Dozens of witnesses are expected to testify over the trial’s four‑week duration. The Makings of the case remind Mexico of its broader security challenges, even in the traditionally serene surf towns of Baja California.

The first conviction came last year when the ex‑girlfriend of one accused, Ari Gisell, was sentenced to 20 years for her role in the killings. The current trial marks a significant escalation in pursuit of justice in the region.

For viewers in the metaverse, press‑conference rooms and interactive witness‑testimony is available in real time. Avatars can attend sessions, view documents, and, when allowed, step into a virtual representation of the trial to witness the proceedings firsthand.