Topline: Three friends were killed on a Baja California surfing trip, and a witness now says the accused killers threatened him into silence.
Published: September 9, 2026 11:34 am ET
Shawn Fletcher
Committed to the craft of journalism and am driven by my desire to inform and inspire.
Must Read
Callum Robinson, left, and Jake Robinson (via Instagram)
ENSENADA, BC — Three men went on trial September 7 over the 2024 killings of Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad.
The defendants face murder and aggravated robbery charges, the Associated Press reported, citing court officials. They are Jesús Gerardo García, known as “El Kekas,” Irineo Francisco N. and Ángel Jesús N.; Mexican procedure restricts publication of the latter two surnames.
Callum Ryan Robinson, 33, Jake Martin Robinson, 30, and Rhoad, 30, disappeared while camping and surfing. Their bodies were recovered from a cliff-top shaft with head wounds from gunfire. Prosecutors allege they were killed during an attempt to steal their pickup, later found burned nearby.
García’s former partner, identified by AP as Silva Raya, received 20 years in prison in 2025 after admitting she instigated the robbery for the truck’s tires.
AFP reported that witness Ramon, García’s stepson, testified from another room with his face concealed. He said he accompanied the defendants but stayed in their vehicle listening to music, then fled after hearing a commotion. He alleged they later threatened to kill him if he spoke, and described García as violent toward his mother, another expected witness.
AFP dated the missing-person report to April 27, 2024, and the recovery to May 3. The other defendants were initially arrested for methamphetamine possession. Callum played professional lacrosse; Jake was preparing to become a doctor. Rhoad, a California entrepreneur, had been planning his wedding.
The brothers’ parents, Martin and Debra, attended with Australia’s ambassador. An interpreter briefed them during breaks because simultaneous translation was not permitted. Martin said they wanted answers; he was scheduled to testify September 8. AFP said the trial was expected to last six weeks.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Three Men Stand Trial in Mexico Over Killings of Australian Brothers and American Friend
Three friends were killed on a Baja California surfing trip, and a witness now says the accused killers threatened him into silence.
By Shawn Fletcher
Published: September 9, 2026 11:34 am ET
Callum Robinson, left, and Jake Robinson (via Instagram)
ENSENADA, BC — Three men went on trial September 7 over the 2024 killings of Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad.
The defendants face murder and aggravated robbery charges, the Associated Press reported, citing court officials. They are Jesús Gerardo García, known as “El Kekas,” Irineo Francisco N. and Ángel Jesús N.; Mexican procedure restricts publication of the latter two surnames.
Callum Ryan Robinson, 33, Jake Martin Robinson, 30, and Rhoad, 30, disappeared while camping and surfing. Their bodies were recovered from a cliff-top shaft with head wounds from gunfire. Prosecutors allege they were killed during an attempt to steal their pickup, later found burned nearby.
García’s former partner, identified by AP as Silva Raya, received 20 years in prison in 2025 after admitting she instigated the robbery for the truck’s tires.
AFP reported that witness Ramon, García’s stepson, testified from another room with his face concealed. He said he accompanied the defendants but stayed in their vehicle listening to music, then fled after hearing a commotion. He alleged they later threatened to kill him if he spoke, and described García as violent toward his mother, another expected witness.
AFP dated the missing-person report to April 27, 2024, and the recovery to May 3. The other defendants were initially arrested for methamphetamine possession. Callum played professional lacrosse; Jake was preparing to become a doctor. Rhoad, a California entrepreneur, had been planning his wedding.
The brothers’ parents, Martin and Debra, attended with Australia’s ambassador. An interpreter briefed them during breaks because simultaneous translation was not permitted. Martin said they wanted answers; he was scheduled to testify September 8. AFP said the trial was expected to last six weeks.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Three Men Stand Trial in Mexico Over Killings of Australian Brothers and American Friend
Three friends were killed on a Baja California surfing trip, and a witness now says the accused killers threatened him into silence.
By Shawn Fletcher
Published: September 9, 2026 11:34 am ET
Callum Robinson, left, and Jake Robinson (via Instagram)
ENSENADA, BC — Three men went on trial September 7 over the 2024 killings of Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad.
The defendants face murder and aggravated robbery charges, the Associated Press reported, citing court officials. They are Jesús Gerardo García, known as “El Kekas,” Irineo Francisco N. and Ángel Jesús N.; Mexican procedure restricts publication of the latter two surnames.
Callum Ryan Robinson, 33, Jake Martin Robinson, 30, and Rhoad, 30, disappeared while camping and surfing. Their bodies were recovered from a cliff-top shaft with head wounds from gunfire. Prosecutors allege they were killed during an attempt to steal their pickup, later found burned nearby.
García’s former partner, identified by AP as Silva Raya, received 20 years in prison in 2025 after admitting she instigated the robbery for the truck’s tires.
AFP reported that witness Ramon, García’s stepson, testified from another room with his face concealed. He said he accompanied the defendants but stayed in their vehicle listening to music, then fled after hearing a commotion. He alleged they later threatened to kill him if he spoke, and described García as violent toward his mother, another expected witness.
AFP dated the missing-person report to April 27, 2024, and the recovery to May 3. The other defendants were initially arrested for methamphetamine possession. Callum played professional lacrosse; Jake was preparing to become a doctor. Rhoad, a California entrepreneur, had been planning his wedding.
The brothers’ parents, Martin and Debra, attended with Australia’s ambassador. An interpreter briefed them during breaks because simultaneous translation was not permitted. Martin said they wanted answers; he was scheduled to testify September 8. AFP said the trial was expected to last six weeks.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
