Mexican officials reveal major update after two Aussie brothers and their American friend were ‘gunned down’ while on surfing trip
Another person has been charged over the alleged shooting death of two Australian brothers and their American friend while on a surfing trip in Mexico.
Callum and Jake Robinson, from Perth, and their friend Jack Carter Rhoad, from San Diego, were on a surfing trip in the Mexican state of Baja California when they were reported missing on April 27 last year.
Their bodies were found a few days later on May 3 at the bottom of a well alongside a fourth body not directly linked to the case, reportedly that of a local rancher.
Investigators previously said the three men were shot in the back of the head at their remote campsite with a single bullet each and that it appeared to be a robbery.
Three locals were arrested last year and now Mexican prosecutors have revealed a fourth person – Irineo Francisco – has been arrested.
Prosecutor Miguel Ángel Gaxiola Rodríguez also confirmed that his office had backed up the robbery theory and added there was no evidence of involvement from Mexico’s notorious drug cartels.
Irineo Francisco will join Jesús Gerardo, Ari Gisell, and Ángel Jesús – all of who have had their surnames suppressed – in court charged with the killings.
Jake Robinson was a talented lacrosse player living in the US, while Callum was a doctor who had taken a trip to visit his brother, and Mr Rhoad was employed at a technology services company and was set to marry his fiancé in August last year.
Perth surfers Callum (right) and Jake Robinson (left) were on a surfing trip in Mexico when they were killed with local prosecutors revealing a fourth person has been charged
Perth surfers Callum (right) and Jake Robinson (left) and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad (right)
Police allege the trio’s vehicle was later found burnt-out in the Santo Tomás area
Mr Gaxiola Rodríguez has said the state had a strong case against the four alleged killers.
‘We have compelling evidence, including witness statements, and we have found the vehicle,’ he said.
‘The objective is to ensure that the accused are brought to trial and convicted of the homicide and robbery.’
Ms Gisell was the first alleged killer to be arrested on May 1 when she was pulled over for a routine traffic stop.
She reportedly threw 100g of meth on the ground and tried to flee officers.
After searching the vehicle, officers found an iPhone belonging to Mr Rhoad.
She turned in Mr Gerado and told officers he had told her: ‘I f***ed up three gringos.’
Callum and Jake were both allegedly shot in the back of the head with a single bullet
Callum and Jake (pictured with family) were avid surfers who travelled all around the world following their passion
The men were surfing in the Baja California region near Ensenada
Ms Gisell also turned in one of the other accused killers.
The three men are looking at charges of aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery, grand theft auto and forced disappearance.
Ms Gisell faces the same charges except forced disappearance.
Three wooden statues have been installed overlooking the North Baja coast to commemorate the Perth brothers and their American friend.
The Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation wrote on social media that the ‘unveiling ceremony brought together surfers, representatives from the Australian embassy and the Baja California governor’s office.
‘After a few words were shared, the community honoured the boys with a traditional paddle out.
‘We are deeply grateful for the continued love, remembrance, and support from around the world.’
