The tragic deaths of three surfers in Mexico have captured international attention, and new details are surfacing in the ongoing investigation. Brothers Callum and Jake Robinson from Australia, along with their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, were killed during what was supposed to be a surfing trip in Baja California. A Mexican court has ordered the prosecution of Jesus Gerardo “N,” also known as “El Kekas,” the alleged murderer, as disturbing details of his confession come to light.
The hearing for “El Kekas” took place in Ensenada, Baja California, the same area where the bodies of the three friends were discovered last Friday. According to reports from the BBC, the suspect’s girlfriend provided chilling testimony in court, stating that he confessed to the murders upon returning from the surfers’ campsite. The 23-year-old woman told investigators that “El Kekas” arrived at her residence on April 28 and admitted to having done something to “three gringos,” a slang term for foreigners. When questioned further, he allegedly stated, “I killed them.”
Adding to the disturbing details, the suspect reportedly showed his girlfriend new tires, which prosecutors believe were stolen from the vehicle of the three surfers. Jesus Gerardo “N” will be prosecuted initially for “disappearance committed by private individuals,” with homicide charges expected to follow as the investigation progresses. Prosecutors have indicated they are gathering evidence to potentially charge two additional suspects who are currently detained on alleged methamphetamine possession charges.
The three victims were camping in a remote beachside location when the attack occurred. Investigators believe the motive was robbery, specifically the theft of their pickup truck. The bodies of Callum Robinson, Jake Robinson, and Jack Carter Rhoad were tragically found in a cliff-top shaft, bearing bullet wounds to the head.
Baja California, while renowned for its beautiful beaches and popularity with tourists, particularly from the U.S., is also unfortunately known as one of Mexico’s most violent states due to the presence of organized crime. While tourists are not typically targeted, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the underlying dangers.
On Tuesday, authorities released the bodies of the victims to a funeral home in Baja California, facilitating their transfer to the United States where their grieving families await their arrival. The parents of Callum and Jake Robinson delivered a poignant statement in California, urging people to remember their sons by living life to the fullest. Debra and Martin Robinson expressed their devastation, stating that “the world has become a darker place” since the loss of their sons. Martin Robinson thanked the community for the overwhelming support received from friends and family in both Australia and the United States.
Debra Robinson, visibly emotional, described Callum, 33, as a “lovable, larger-than-life character” who had played professional lacrosse in the U.S., earning the nickname “the big koala.” Jake, 30, was remembered as a “happy, gentle and compassionate soul” with a passion for surfing, cricket, and a promising career in medicine. The Robinson brothers were described as young men pursuing their shared love of surfing.
Debra and Martin Robinson address the media about their sons' deaths in Mexico
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) also issued a statement acknowledging the tragic loss of Callum Robinson, highlighting his impact on the lacrosse community. Callum had played lacrosse at Stevenson University in Maryland, where head coach Paul Cantabene expressed his deep sorrow upon hearing the news.
Heartfelt tributes poured in on social media, including a touching message from Callum’s girlfriend who shared photos and expressed her profound grief. Similarly, Jack Carter Rhoad, who was engaged to be married on August 17, is remembered by a devastated fiancée and community. A GoFundMe campaign to support his fiancée, Natalie Weirtz, has garnered significant support, reflecting the widespread sympathy and grief for the victims and their loved ones. Another GoFundMe was established to support Rhoad’s family.
The deaths of these three surfers in Mexico serve as a painful tragedy, leaving families and communities in mourning. The ongoing legal proceedings and investigations offer a path towards justice, but the profound loss remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities and dangers that can exist even in popular tourist destinations.
