Baja California Court Convicts 3 in Murder of 3 Tourists on Surfing Trip

Three Mexican men—Jesús Gerardo García, alias “El Kekas,” Irineo Francisco, and Ángel Jesús—were found guilty of murdering Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad during a surfing trip in Baja California in April 2024 ^[1]. The verdict, delivered after a month-long trial in Ensenada, marks a pivotal moment for the victims’ families, who traveled from Western Australia to attend the proceedings ^[2].

The men were accused of a robbery gone wrong, with prosecutors stating García, a self-described hitman, targeted the tourists’ white pickup truck, allegedly attempting to steal tires and parts ^[1]. According to testimony from García’s ex-girlfriend, Ary Gisell Silva Raya, he approached the group’s tent with a 9mm pistol, and one victim pleaded for his life. The bodies of Callum, 33, Jake, 30, and Carter, 30, were discovered in a well near their burnt vehicle nearly a week after they went missing.

Silva Raya, who was previously sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated robbery and violent vehicle theft, testified that García boasted about the killings and joked about the victims begging to live ^[2]. The Baja California Attorney General’s Office is seeking the maximum penalty—210 years in prison—for each defendant ^[1].

Judge Raúl Hernández Arellano expressed shame over the crimes occurring in Mexico and acknowledged the emotional toll on the victims’ parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, who wept in court and later thanked the Australian embassy and prosecution team ^[2]. The sentencing is set for October 16 ^[1].

A foundation in the victims’ names, the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation, has been established to support young people, honoring their legacy ^[2]. The story was first reported by New York Post and ABC News (AU).