Trial nears verdict in deaths of three foreign surfers in Mexico

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 23:48 · Archive

The trial of three men accused of killing two Australian brothers and an American during a 2024 surfing trip to Mexico entered its final stage on Thursday.

The trial of three men accused of killing two Australian brothers and their American friend during a 2024 surfing trip to Mexico entered its final stage Thursday in Ensenada, Baja California. Closing arguments from prosecutors and defence attorneys were heard after a month of hearings, with a judge scheduled to announce a verdict Friday.

Callum and Jake Robinson, both Australian, and Jack Carter Rhoad, from the United States, travelled to Baja California in April 2024 to surf near Punta San José, about 80 kilometres from Ensenada. They were reported missing shortly after arriving, and their bodies were found May 3 in a well. The case raised concerns about the safety of tourists visiting Mexico.

Four people were arrested in connection with the killings. Jesús Gerardo García, known as 'El Kekas', is alleged by prosecutors to have carried out the murders. García's former partner, Ary Gisell Silva Raya, was sentenced to 20 years in prison last November after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery and violent vehicle theft; authorities found one of the victims' phones in her possession. García and two other defendants, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús, chose to stand trial. During testimony last month, Silva Raya told the court that García had confessed to approaching the surfers' tent with a 9 mm handgun.

How it is being reported

• Trial in killings of 3 foreign surfers in Mexico nears verdictThe trial of three men accused of killing two Australian brothers and their American friend during a 2024 surfing trip to Mexico has entered its final stage.Clickorlando · 8 Oct, 23:21
• Trial in killings of 3 foreign surfers in Mexico nears verdictThe trial of three men accused of killing two Australian brothers and their American friend during a 2024 surfing trip to Mexico has entered its final stage.News4Jax · 8 Oct, 23:21

In this story: Callum Robinson · Jake Robinson · Jack Carter Rhoad · Jesús Gerardo García · Ary Gisell Silva Raya · Mexico · Baja California · Ensenada

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