Three found guilty of killing Australian brothers and American friend on Mexico surf trip

Three men have been found guilty of murdering two Australian brothers and their American friend during a surfing trip in Mexico.

Jesus Gerardo Garcia, Irineo Francisco and Angel Jesus were convicted of murdering Callum and Jake Robinson and Jack Carter Rhoad in a trial that concluded on Friday.

The three tourists were shot and their bodies thrown down a well in a botched robbery in case that shocked Mexico and drew global attention.

The Mexican defendants, who have been in custody for more than two years, were also found guilty of armed robbery and armed carjacking.

The murders took place near the town of Punta San Jose in the state of Baja California in 2024.

Speaking outside court following the verdict, Martin and Debra Robinson paid tribute to their sons Callum and Jake and their friend Jack.

"Today's guilty verdict is a significant moment in our long and painful journey to seek justice for our beautiful sons, Callum and Jake, and their friend Jack Carter Rhoad, whose lives were so cruelly taken from them in 2024," Mr Robinson said.

He added: "Callum and Jake had their whole lives ahead of them, filled with dreams, love, and promise. We will forever carry their memory in our hearts."

Garcia's ex-partner Ary Gisell Silva Raya testified last month that he had confessed to her that he arrived at the tent where the tourists were staying with a 9mm pistol.

The victims began throwing their belongings to prevent Garcia from attacking them, and one of them begged for his life, which the attacker ignored, she said.

The state prosecutor's office reported that Ms Silva Raya arrived in Punta San Jose on 27 April 2024, where she met the three foreigners and "instigated one of her companions to rob them".

The robbery was carried out the following day.

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The three victims were reported missing and their bodies found on 3 May.

Ms Silva Raya, who was found in possession of one of the victims' mobile phones, was sentenced in November 2025 to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to "aggravated robbery with violence" and "vehicle theft with violence".

Judge Raul Hernandez will announce the final sentence in the coming days.

The Baja California State Attorney General's Office requested the maximum sentence of more than 200 years in prison.

State prosecutor María Elena Andrade said: "I would like to inform you that the State Attorney General's Office is seeking an exemplary sentence of 210 years for each of these individuals."

Callum, 33, had been living in the US to try to become a professional lacrosse player, while his 30-year-old brother Jake, a doctor, had flown out to visit him just two weeks ago, Australian media reported at the time of their deaths.

Following the murders, the Baja California surfing community gathered in Ensenada to protest the safety issues in the state.

Some took part in a paddle-out ceremony by forming a circle with their boards in the sea and throwing flowers.

(c) Sky News 2026: Three found guilty of killing Australian brothers and American friend on Mexico surf trip