Parents of slain Australian surfers 'take some comfort' in killers' 158-year jail sentence

A ‌judge has sentenced three ‌men to 158 years and nine months in prison each for the killings ‌of ‌Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad in Mexico in 2024.

The defendants were found guilty a ‌week ago of homicide, aggravated robbery, robbery with violence and vehicle theft with violence for crimes committed against the Australians and Rhoad near the coastal city of Ensenada on 27 April 2024. The Australians and their friend were on a surfing trip.

The three murderers, Jesus Gerardo Garcia, known as "El Kekas," and co-defendants identified ‌simply as Irineo Francisco "N" and Angel Jesus "N," were found guilty by a Baja California court on 9 October.

Prosecutors have initially requested 210 years' imprisonment for each defendant.

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The trial had heard evidence that the primary shooter, Gerardo, worked as a hit man for local cartel networks. He had an extensive criminal record prior to the attack and was well known to local authorities.

Brothers Callum, 33, and Jake, 30, were camping and surfing near the isolated break of Punta San Jose, about 80km south of the city of Ensenada, with their friend Rhoad, 30, when they were reported missing in late April 2024.

After a days-long search, aided by the FBI, their bodies were found on 3 May at the bottom of a well.

The victims had each suffered gunshot wounds to the head, authorities said.

Prosecutors said the accused had tried to carjack the tourists and shot them when they resisted.

A witness told the court that the victims pleaded and cried for mercy in their final moments, but those pleas were met with laughter.

Handing down the verdict, the judge said he was ashamed that it happened in his country.

Martin and Debra Robinson, parents of the murdered surfers, travelled from Perth to attend the four-week trial and were in court when the verdicts were handed down.