Alleged killers of Australian surfers go on trial in Mexico
Three men went on trial Monday in Ensenada, Mexico, accused of murdering two Australian brothers and an American friend during a robbery two years ago.
- Jake Robinson, 30, and Callum Robinson, 33, were brothers from Australia.
- Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, was an American traveling with them.
- All three were shot in the head while camping at a remote Baja California beach in April 2024.
- Their burned pickup truck was found near their bodies in a cliff-top shaft.
Why it matters: Authorities say the motive was theft. A woman identified as Ary Gisell Silva told a court she urged the men to rob the surfers for their pickup truck's tires and phones.
- Silva was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year after admitting she instigated the robbery.
- Baja California is one of Mexico's most violent states. Cartel activity rarely targets tourists, but foreign visitors have been attacked before.
How 10 sources split on this story
Center coverage, 4 sources: The center covers this as a criminal proceeding, emphasizing prosecutorial details, the robbery motive, and the broader pattern of violence against visitors on Mexico's Pacific coast.
Associated Press4hMexico trial begins of men charged with killing of Australian surfers and American friend
BBC News9hJake and Callum Robinson: Trial over alleged murders of Australian surfer brothers starts in MexicoYNYahoo News8hAccused killers of American and Australian surfers go on trial in MexicoLeft coverage, 4 sources: The left frames this as a story of grief, justice, and the dangers facing foreign tourists in Mexico's violence-affected regions.
The Guardian17hAlleged killers of Australian surfers and American friend go on trial in Mexico
The Independent1hSuspected killers of Australian brothers and their American friend go on trial in Mexico
ABC News4hMexico trial begins of men charged with killing of Australian surfers and American
CBS News8hAccused killers of American and Australian surfers go on trial in Mexico
What’s next: The Robinsons' parents traveled to Ensenada to attend the trial in person.
- Martin Robinson told reporters the family wants to know what happened and why.
- What evidence will the prosecution present against each of the three defendants?
- How long the trial will last and when a verdict is expected.