Authorities in Mexico have confirmed that three tourists were found dead, having been shot in the head and disposed of in a well.
The victims were identified as Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, aged 30 and 33, and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, aged 30, who vanished on April 27 while on a surfing excursion in Ensenada.
Relatives of the three men positively identified their bodies after traveling to Mexico to aid authorities, as stated by a state prosecutor.
It is believed by officials that the tourists were attacked while attempting to prevent the theft of their pickup truck, with the assailants desiring the vehicle’s tires.
Baja California state prosecutor Maria Andrade suggested that the tourists were shot when they resisted.
Their bodies were discovered in a 4-meter deep well, approximately 6 kilometers from the site of the attack in Santo Tomás.
Abandoned tents, a burnt white pickup truck, and a phone linked to the missing surfers were found nearby.
Additionally, a fourth body was discovered in the well, unrelated to the case, according to officials.
Two men and a woman have been detained on suspicion of direct or indirect involvement in the attack, with one man charged with “forced disappearance.”
Earlier, the FBI announced its involvement in the case and stated it was coordinating with international partners.
While Baja California is known for its violence due to turf wars among local drug gangs, the Ensenada area, approximately 120 kilometers south of the US-Mexico border and renowned for its surfing conditions, is considered safer and has attracted tourists, particularly from California.
The parents of the Robinson brothers, Deborah and Martin Robinson, expressed their love for Callum and Jake, describing them as “beautiful human beings.”
Friends of the brothers shared tributes on social media, with Callum’s lacrosse teammates recalling him as a warm and friendly individual.
Emily Horwath, Callum’s girlfriend, shared her devastation on Instagram, while Carter Rhoad’s social media depicted joyful moments, including his proposal to his partner.
A fundraiser set up by friends of Carter Rhoad’s family highlighted the positive impact the trio had on the world.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers extended condolences to the Robinson family, acknowledging the horrific ordeal.
The killings have sparked fear and anger in the Ensenada region, with protesters demanding safe beaches and expressing solidarity with Australia. A group of surfers conducted a “paddle-out” ceremony to honor the trio.
Source-BBC
