THREE MEN FOUND GUILTY IN KILLINGS OF TWO AUSTRALIAN BROTHERS AND THEIR AMERICAN FRIEND ON MEXICO SURFING TRIP

A Mexican judge has found three men guilty of murdering two Australian brothers and their American friend during a surfing trip in Baja California in 2024. The verdict, delivered on October 9, 2026, marks a major development in a case that drew international attention after the three young men disappeared and were later found dead.

Jesús Gerardo García, known as “El Kekas,” Irineo Francisco “N” and Ángel Jesús “N” were convicted in connection with the killings of Callum Robinson, Jake Robinson and Carter Redd Rhoad. The defendants were also found guilty of related violent robbery and vehicle theft offences.

The judge is expected to announce their sentences on October 16. The families of the victims travelled to Mexico to attend the proceedings and hear the verdict in person.

Three Friends Went to Mexico for a Surfing Trip

Australian brothers Callum Robinson, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, were travelling with their American friend Carter Redd Rhoad, 30, along Mexico’s Pacific coast in April 2024.

The group planned to surf and camp near Punta San José, a remote coastal area south of Ensenada in Baja California. Their trip took a tragic turn when they disappeared, prompting a search involving Mexican authorities and assistance from the FBI.

Their bodies were discovered on May 3, 2024, in a well in the area. Authorities reported that the men had suffered gunshot wounds to the head.

Investigators Believed the Attack Began as a Robbery

Prosecutors argued that the men were targeted because the attackers wanted to steal their vehicle and its parts. According to the prosecution, the three tourists resisted the robbery and were shot before their bodies were concealed.

During the trial, witnesses described how the attack unfolded. Ary Gisell Silva Raya, a former partner of García, testified that he had told her about approaching the surfers’ tent with a handgun.

Silva Raya had previously pleaded guilty to offences connected with the robbery and was sentenced to 20 years in prison in November 2025. Her testimony became part of the evidence considered by the court.

The Victims’ Families Attended the Trial

Callum and Jake’s parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, travelled from Western Australia to attend the proceedings in Ensenada. Their presence in court reflected their determination to follow the case through to its conclusion.

Before the verdict, Debra Robinson asked the court to impose the maximum punishment available under the law. She spoke about the future her family had expected to share with her sons and the lasting impact of their deaths.

Martin Robinson also expressed the family’s hope that the legal process would deliver accountability. The parents said that no verdict could bring their sons back, but they hoped the outcome would mark an important step forward.

The Judge Finds All Three Defendants Guilty

After weeks of hearings, the judge ruled that the prosecution had established the defendants’ responsibility for the killings and related offences. The defence had challenged aspects of the investigation and the credibility of evidence presented during the trial.

The guilty verdict means the three men have been convicted; the next stage is sentencing. They had been held in custody for more than two years before the court reached its decision.

A fourth person connected to the case, Silva Raya, was sentenced separately after entering a guilty plea in 2025.

Sentencing Is Scheduled for October 16

The court is scheduled to announce the three men’s sentences on October 16, 2026. Prosecutors have sought lengthy prison terms, while the final punishment will be determined under Mexican law.

The verdict closes one major stage of a case that devastated two families and attracted attention across Australia, the United States and Mexico. For the Robinson family and Rhoad’s loved ones, the sentencing hearing will be the next significant moment in their pursuit of justice.

Sources: The Associated Press, October 9, 2026; ABC News Australia, October 10, 2026.