Three men have been found guilty of murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend, Carter Rhoad, during a surfing trip in Mexico in 2024.

The defendants, identified as Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús, were convicted by a court in Baja California, northern Mexico. Their full names were withheld for legal reasons.

The men are yet to be sentenced, but prosecutors had sought 150 years in prison for each defendant during the month-long trial.

The killings sparked international outrage, particularly in Australia, where the victims’ families and the surfing community were left devastated by the deaths.

Victims Killed in Apparent Robbery

Prosecutors told the court that the three tourists were killed in an apparent robbery after travelling to a secluded beach area in Baja California.

The attackers reportedly targeted the victims’ truck. The situation escalated, resulting in the three men being shot in the head.

Their bodies were later dumped down a well and were not discovered until about a week after their disappearance, when their families were able to identify them.

The victims, all in their early 30s, had crossed into Mexico from the United States less than 36 hours before they were killed.

The murders shocked residents and tourists in Ensenada, a coastal town known for surfing and its appeal to visitors. The incident also renewed concerns about security in the region.

Families Deliver Emotional Testimony

The victims’ families attended the trial in Ensenada, where the brothers’ parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, gave emotional testimony during the closing arguments.

Debra Robinson told the court that the murders had taken away “the future we had imagined with them”.

Her husband, Martin, described the pain of losing both sons, saying it was difficult for any parent to lose a child.

Members of Carter Rhoad’s family participated in the proceedings through a video link.

Before the verdict, Debra Robinson had expressed gratitude for the support shown by Australians, saying her family felt surrounded by the love and solidarity they had received.

Accomplice Previously Sentenced

In November 2025, the girlfriend of Jesús Gerardo, who was described as the alleged ringleader and known by the nickname “El Kekas”, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in a separate proceeding.

She had admitted to participating in the robbery, according to the report.

The conviction of the three men marks a significant development in a case that drew widespread attention and raised questions about the safety of tourists visiting parts of Mexico.

Surfers Demand Better Security

Following the killings, members of the surfing community in Ensenada gathered at a popular surfing spot to honour the victims. Surfers paddled into the sea and threw flowers into the water in tribute to the three men.

Local surfers also called for stronger security for residents and visitors, citing other incidents of violence in Baja California.

Tourism is an important part of the region’s economy, and the killings prompted concern about the impact of violent crime on its reputation as a destination for international visitors.

At the time, Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila offered condolences to the victims’ families and sought to reassure the public that the state remained committed to providing a safe environment for tourists.

The latest verdict brings a major stage of the legal proceedings to a close, although the three convicted men are still awaiting sentencing.