Brothers Callum and Jake Robinson, along with their friend Jack Carter Rhoad, were reported missing after not showing up at their booked Airbnb accommodation in Rosarito, Mexico. Last seen on April 27, the trio, the two Australian brothers and Rhoad, an American, had come to Baja California, Mexico for a surfing vacation and had also recently attended the Coachella music festival in California.
The bodies of the three men, found with gunshot wounds to the head, were discovered at the bottom of a 50-foot well in a remote area by Mexican law enforcement officials on May 2. It is believed that the friends were victims of a carjacking that led to a fatal attack. A local man, his girlfriend, and his brother have been arrested in connection with the crime.
The arrested individuals were found with methamphetamine, and one was in possession of a cell phone that belonged to one of the victims. The victims are believed to have been camping at La Bocana, a well-known surfing spot about 130 miles south of San Diego, California.
Authorities have indicated that the victims tried to resist the robbery, likely leading to their untimely deaths. Discarded tents and a burnt white pickup truck, similar to the one used by the victims, were found at the scene.
The victims were Australians Callum Robinson, 33, a former lacrosse player, and his brother Jake, 30, who was about to start a new job as a doctor back home, and American Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, who was to be married in three months. The victims were identified on May 5 by relatives who went to Mexico.
The ongoing investigation includes local authorities working in tandem with international agencies such as the FBI. Another body recovered from the well is believed to belong to a rancher who had previously been reported missing. It took authorities 20 hours to get the bodies out of the well.
The tragic death of the three friends has left their families grieving, with global tributes being paid. The case has drawn the attention of the surfing community, as well as officials from the US and Australia.
After the discovery of the victims’ bodies, Emily Horwath, Callum’s partner, posted on Instagram the final voicemail he sent her. Callum said, “It’s 11:11, and you’re on my mind. Just felt like sending a brief note to greet you,” He expressed his wishes for her day to begin wonderfully. He continued, “For some reason, I imagine you’re smiling broadly today,” hoping she was surrounded by joy and positive vibes.
On Wednesday, May 8, an individual implicated in the case, referred to as “El Kekas,” was presented in court facing charges of abduction. Officials in Mexico have indicated that he will also face accusations of murder in connection with the case.
Under the stipulations of Mexican legislation, the accused can only be referred to by his given name, which is Jesús Gerardo. He was apprehended alongside his girlfriend, Ari Gisel Garcia Cota, and his brother, Christian Alejandro Garcia.
Jesus Gerardo has a criminal record of drug dealing, vehicle theft, and domestic violence.
During the court session on Wednesday, the girlfriend, who has not been formally accused of any wrongdoing, testified that on April 28, Jesús visited her residence and admitted to killing “three gringos.”
