The bodies of the three surfers who had gone missing in Baja California, Mexico, last weekend have been identified. State prosecutors in Baja California confirmed on Sunday that the deceased, including two Australians and one American, were found with gunshot wounds.
Mexican authorities officially identified the bodies as those of the missing surfers. Baja California state attorney general, María Elena Andrade Ramírez, stated that while DNA testing was initially pending, family members were able to identify the bodies, accelerating the confirmation process.
The Australian victims were named as brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, and the American surfer was identified as Jack Carter Rhoad.
In connection with the case, three suspects, comprising two men and one woman, have been taken into custody. Mexican prosecutors revealed that one of the male suspects has a prior criminal record involving violence, drug dealing, and robbery.
The FBI also confirmed the discovery of the three bodies on Friday, collaborating with Mexican authorities in the investigation. Mexican officials reported that the bodies were located in a well exceeding 50 feet in depth, situated in the town of Santa Tomas, Baja California. Notably, a fourth body was also recovered from the well, but investigators believe it is unrelated to the surfers’ case.
The FBI issued a statement to CBS News affirming their ongoing cooperation with international law enforcement partners to resolve the situation. They emphasized their commitment to thoroughly assessing and pursuing credible leads while respecting the privacy of those affected and the integrity of the investigative and legal procedures.
Investigations revealed that the missing Australians and their American friend were last seen in late April. Upon examining the surfers’ campsite in Mexico, investigators discovered tent poles, a cartridge casing, plastic bottles, blood stains, and drag marks, providing grim clues about the events that transpired.
Attorney General Andrade Ramírez indicated that the motive behind the attack appears to be vehicle theft. According to her statements, the assailants intended to steal the tires and parts from the foreigners’ pickup truck to equip their own older vehicle.
“The attackers drove by in their vehicle and noticed the foreigners’ pickup truck and tents,” Andrade Ramírez explained. “They approached with the intention of stealing their vehicle and taking tires and other parts.”
“When the surfers appeared and caught them in the act, they resisted,” she continued. “The assailants then drew a gun, fatally shooting the one who resisted the vehicle theft. As the others intervened to defend their companion and property, they too were attacked and killed.”
Following the murders, the assailants reportedly burned the surfers’ tents in an attempt to conceal their crime.
Jesús Gerardo, also known as “el Kekas,” is considered a primary suspect in the case and is currently imprisoned. Two additional suspects, a man and a woman, are in preventive detention as the investigation progresses to determine the full extent of their involvement.
Baja California, despite being a popular tourist destination on the Pacific coast, is unfortunately known for cartel violence. The U.S. State Department advises American citizens to reconsider travel to the region due to high levels of crime and kidnapping risks.
Earlier in the week, Debra Robinson, the mother of the Australian brothers, used social media in a desperate plea to find her sons, reporting they had been out of contact since Saturday, April 27.
Callum Robinson’s Instagram account painted a picture of their trip, showcasing images of the trio enjoying their time in Mexico: sharing beers, relaxing in a jacuzzi, savoring roadside tacos, and admiring the surf.
Callum Robinson, who was six-foot-four, had a career in the U.S. Premier Lacrosse League. The league expressed its condolences on its website, stating the lacrosse community was “heartbroken by the tragic loss” and offered support and prayers to the Robinson and Rhoad families.
Australian media outlets reported that Jake Robinson was a doctor based in Perth.
AFP contributed to this report.
