Mexican authorities have confirmed the tragic deaths of an American and two Australians who had gone missing in northern Mexico last week. The bodies of the Australian brothers, Callum and Jake Robinson, along with their friend, the American citizen Carter Rhoad, were discovered at the bottom of a well in the Baja California region after a search that lasted several days.
All three victims were in their early 30s and had suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Their families were able to identify the bodies, eliminating the need for genetic tests, as confirmed by a statement from the state prosecutor’s office. The three friends had been on a surfing holiday near Ensenada, a popular tourist destination about 90 minutes south of the U.S.-Mexico border along the Pacific coast.
According to state prosecutor Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez, the trio were likely killed after resisting an attempt to steal their pick-up truck. The vehicle, found nearby and set on fire, was further evidence of foul play.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed his condolences to the Robinson family, stating, “The entire country’s heart goes out to all of their loved ones. This has been a truly horrific ordeal, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with the case: two men and one woman. At least one of the suspects has a criminal history involving violence, drug trafficking, and robbery. Investigators noted that the bodies were retrieved from a well approximately 50 feet (15 meters) deep and were in an advanced state of decomposition. Additionally, a separate body found at the same location appeared unrelated to the case, having been there longer.
The missing surfers were last seen on April 27 and were reported missing a few days later, prompting a multi-day search with the assistance of the FBI. Although Baja California is considered one of Mexico’s more violent regions due to the presence of organized crime gangs, the Ensenada area is typically known for its inviting beaches and relative safety.
During a news conference, a reporter raised concerns about the rapid and extensive search for the missing foreigners while local people often faced long delays when they went missing. The reporter, who didn’t identify herself by name, asked, “Does one have to be a foreigner in Baja California for an investigation to be launched when something happens to them?” Andrade Ramírez responded, stating that every investigation is unique.
Following the news, mourners, surfers, and demonstrators gathered in Ensenada on Sunday to honor the three surfers and to voice their outrage over the killings. Many carried their surfboards with messages such as “Beaches, Security, Freedom, Peace,” “No More Deaths,” and “Australia, We Are With You.”
