Parents confirm identity of Australian brothers killed in Mexico’s north
The parents of the Australian brothers killed in Mexico’s north have identified their sons at a morgue, as officials reveal what happened in their final hours. Warning: Graphic
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The bodies of three men found in a well in Mexico’s north have been positively identified as two Australian brothers and their American friend.
Baja California state prosecutors said the parents of Perth brothers Callum, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, visited the morgue in Ensenada, Mexico, to identify their sons’ bodies on Sunday (local time).
Mexican authorities say thieves killed the Australian brothers and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, in order to steal their truck, particularly because they wanted the vehicle’s tyres.
Police said all three of the victims died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Chief state prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez said the brothers and their friends were killed in a bungled robbery when the killers drove by and saw their pick-up truck and tents.
“Surely, they resisted,” she said of the victims, and the thieves shot them to death.
Meanwhile, local surfers held a paddle out vigil at San Miguel beach in a moving tribute to the Australian brothers and their American friend.
The tragic update came as Callum Robinson’s friend and neighbour spoke out about his pain over the deaths of the three men.
San Diego photographer Randy Dible said he had told Callum about his favourite surfing spot in Baja and even drew him a map on a napkin. It was to be the exact spot the three men were murdered.
Three Mexicans, identified as Jesús Gerardo García Cota, known as El Kekas, together with his partner Ari Gisel García Cota and brother Cristian Alejandro Garcíam have been named as suspects, according to local Spanish language media outlet Zeta Tijuana.
They have all been charged with a crime equivalent to kidnapping, officials said. It was unclear if the trio might face more charges.
One has already faced court after being charged with the crime of forced disappearance.
A woman allegedly also had possession of a mobile phone belonging to one of the trio as well as illicit drugs.
The three bodies were located down a 15-metre deep well near the campsite where the missing brothers and their friend were believed to have been.
Ms Ramirez said the bodies were in an “advanced state of decomposition” when they were hoisted out of the well.
She said “given their clothing and certain characteristics such as long hair and specific physical descriptions, we have high probability,” that the bodies were those of the three missing men.
A fourth body found at the site had been there longer and investigators are not ruling out the possibility the same suspects also dumped that body in the well as part of their thefts.
A burnt-out white ute believed to have been used by Callum and Jake on their “trip of a lifetime” surfing holiday was found south of Ensenada. Their burned out campsite was also located.
Local media reported that traces of blood had been found in the trio’s abandoned tents along with a bullet casing.
Ms Ramiriez said they found the victims’ burnt out tents at the location where the bodies were dumped along with remains of a surfboard.
She described the crime as opportunistic, and ruled out links with organised crime.
The brothers were travelling in Baja California, one of the country’s most violent states, before they went missing on April 27.
The pair were on a surfing trip with Mr Rhoad, 30, near the popular tourist town of Ensenada, about 90 minutes south of the US-Mexico border.
On Saturday, Mexican authorities used a pulley system to hoist what appeared to be three bodies covered in mud from a deep well on a cliff at Punta San Jose in Santo Tomas in the municipality of Ensenada.
“We confirm there were three individuals found deceased in Santo Tomas, Baja California,” a statement from the FBI’s office in San Diego said.
“Three bodies were found south of the city of Ensenada, and they were recovered in co-ordination with other authorities during a specialised operation because they were found in a zone of difficult access.”
“This was done as part of the search for two Australians and one American reported missing.”
Investigators continued to search the area where the bodies were found for additional evidence.
Local media reported traces of blood and dental parts including a tooth being discovered at the trio’s abandoned campsite.
The area where the bodies were found is known as La Bocana, and is a popular destination for fishing and camping enthusiasts.
However drug cartels are also known to operate in the region and tourists travelling there are warned to exercise a high degree of caution “due to the threat of violent crime”.
The Australian brothers’ parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, said Callum had been living in the US to follow his dream of becoming a professional lacrosse player.
Jake only left Australia two weeks ago to visit his brother and they went to the Coachella music festival before going on the surfing trip.
“(Callum) is widely known in the US as the Big Koala,” they said.
“We think of him as our big, soft, friendly giant.”
The Robinsons said their son Jake was due to start a new job as a doctor at Geelong Hospital.
“Callum and Jake are beautiful human beings. We love them so much and this breaks our heart.”
While the bodies are yet to be formally identified, Callum’s university team Stevenson University Lacrosse claimed in a social media post the pair had been killed.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear teammate and friend, Callum Robinson,” the club said.
“From his days leading us to victory on the field to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, Callum was a true inspiration to us all.”
The club said Callum had played a pivotal role in the team’s Division III National Championship in 2013, and had amassed “equally impressive academic achievements”.
“But, beyond his accolades, Callum will be remembered for his infectious spirit and larger-than-life personality,” the club said.
We lost a REALLY good human & my friend to senseless violence, on a surf trip in Mexico. Australian pro lacrosse player Callum Robinson & his brother 💔 pic.twitter.com/AIsYokleQ7
— Dr. Brad Glowaki (@drglowaki) May 4, 2024
“With his beautiful long hair and charming smile, he truly embodied the nickname ‘big koala’ — warm, friendly, and always there to lend a helping hand.
“Though he may be gone, Callum’s legacy will live on in our hearts forever.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest easy, Callum. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman also confirmed the Australian embassy in Mexico was working closely with the AFP and local police.
“DFAT recognises this is a very distressing time for the family and is in regular contact with them to provide support,” they said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
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