A court in Ensenada, Mexico, has found three men guilty of murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Carter Redd Rhoad during a surfing and camping trip in Baja California in April 2024. The verdict, delivered on 9 October 2026, marks a significant development in a case that attracted international attention and left the victims’ families seeking answers for more than two years.

The three defendants were convicted of aggravated homicide and related robbery and vehicle theft offences. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 16 October 2026. Prosecutors have sought lengthy prison terms, while the final sentences remain to be determined by the court.

What did the Mexican court decide?

Judge Raúl Hernández Arellano delivered the guilty verdict after a trial lasting several weeks in Ensenada. The court found Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús responsible for the deaths of the three surfers and convicted them of related offences.

The prosecution argued that the victims were attacked during an attempted robbery involving their vehicle. Evidence presented during the trial included witness testimony about the events surrounding the killings and the defendants’ alleged involvement. The judge found the prosecution’s evidence sufficient to convict the three men.

The defence had challenged aspects of the evidence and argued that the case had not been proved sufficiently. The guilty verdict represents the court’s decision after considering the evidence presented during the proceedings.

Although the convictions are an important stage in the case, the legal process continues with sentencing. The length of each prison term and the formal penalties imposed will be established at the sentencing hearing.

Who were Jake and Callum Robinson?

Jake and Callum Robinson were brothers originally from Perth, Western Australia. They were travelling in Mexico in April 2024 when they went missing during a surfing and camping trip in Baja California.

Jake Robinson

Jake was a medical professional who was preparing to begin a new role at a hospital in Geelong after returning to Australia. His family and friends remembered him as a young man with a future full of opportunities and plans.

Callum Robinson

Callum was a talented lacrosse player who had moved to the United States to pursue his sporting career. He and his brother had travelled together before the fatal incident, and their deaths deeply affected their family, friends and sporting communities.

Their American friend, Carter Redd Rhoad

Carter Redd Rhoad, an American citizen, was travelling and surfing with the brothers. He was also killed in the incident. The case therefore involved three victims and three families whose lives were profoundly affected by the loss.

What happened during the April 2024 surfing trip?

The three friends travelled to Baja California, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, for surfing and camping. They were last seen in the Punta San José area near Ensenada in late April 2024. When they could not be contacted, concern grew and a search began.

Their bodies were discovered on 3 May 2024 in a well on a remote property. Investigators also found their burned-out vehicle nearby. The victims had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.

Prosecutors said the killings occurred during a robbery attempt in which the attackers sought to steal the victims’ vehicle or parts from it. According to evidence described in court reporting, the victims resisted and were shot. The prosecution presented witness testimony and other evidence to establish the defendants’ roles.

The discovery ended the search for the missing men but began a lengthy criminal investigation and court process. The case received international coverage because two victims were Australian brothers and the third was their American friend.

Who are the three men convicted?

Some reports identify the defendants only by their given names and initials, reflecting legal conventions applied in reporting the case. The convictions were delivered together, but the final sentence for each defendant remains a separate matter for the court.

What evidence was presented during the trial?

The trial examined the circumstances in which the three friends disappeared, how their bodies were found and the alleged robbery that preceded their deaths. Investigators and witnesses provided evidence about the crime scene and the events surrounding the attack.

One important witness was Ary Gisell Silva Raya, the former partner of Jesús Gerardo. She testified about statements he allegedly made concerning the killings. Silva Raya had previously received a 20-year prison sentence in 2025 after admitting involvement in instigating the robbery and related offences.

Her testimony formed part of the prosecution’s case. As with other witness evidence, it was considered in the context of the wider evidence before the judge rather than in isolation.

The defence challenged the prosecution’s case, including aspects of the evidence and investigation. The judge ultimately found the evidence sufficient to convict the three defendants. The verdict is the court’s determination of their criminal responsibility following the trial.

What sentence could the convicted men receive?

The Baja California prosecutor’s office has said it will seek prison sentences of up to 210 years for each defendant. The requested term reflects the prosecution’s position on the seriousness of the offences, but it is not the sentence already imposed by the court.

Reports have also noted that the maximum applicable penalty under the relevant state legal framework may differ from the total term requested by prosecutors. The final sentence will depend on the court’s application of Mexican law and the offences for which the defendants were convicted.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 16 October 2026. Until the judge announces the penalties, it would be inaccurate to state that the men have already received 210-year sentences.

How did Jake and Callum Robinson’s parents respond?

Debra and Martin Robinson travelled from Western Australia to attend the trial. They were present when the guilty verdicts were delivered and expressed gratitude to the judge, court staff, prosecutors, witnesses and Australian consular representatives who supported the process.

Their public statements reflected both relief that the court had reached a verdict and the continuing grief of losing their sons. They emphasised that no court decision could bring Jake and Callum back, but said the outcome was an important step towards justice and accountability.

The family also expressed hope that the convictions would help prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss. They have spoken about remembering their sons for their lives, relationships and positive impact on others rather than allowing the circumstances of their deaths to define their legacy.

The Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation

A foundation was established in honour of the brothers to support other young people and continue their legacy. Their parents have spoken about messages they receive from people who say the brothers inspired them, helped them or influenced the direction of their lives.

The foundation provides a way for family, friends and supporters to remember Jake and Callum through positive work. Its purpose is separate from the criminal proceedings, which focus on determining responsibility and imposing punishment under Mexican law.

For the family, remembrance and justice are related but distinct. The verdict addresses the criminal case, while the foundation helps preserve the brothers’ names and the contributions they made during their lives.

Why has the case attracted international attention?

The killings drew attention in Australia, Mexico and the United States because the victims came from two countries and were travelling in a region popular with visitors for surfing and coastal activities. The discovery of their bodies after a search and the allegations of a robbery that turned violent intensified public interest.

The case also required cooperation across borders. Mexican authorities led the criminal investigation and court proceedings, while Australian and US representatives followed developments involving their respective citizens. The involvement of foreign consular officials helped the families navigate a legal process taking place far from home.

The guilty verdict is a significant legal development, but it should not be interpreted as evidence that every visitor to Baja California faces the same risk. Travellers should consult current official travel advice, assess local conditions and follow practical safety guidance when planning trips.

What happens next in the Robinson brothers’ case?

• 16 October 2026 sentencing hearing: The judge is expected to determine the prison terms for the three convicted men.
• Formal penalties: The court’s announcement will clarify the sentence imposed on each defendant and how the applicable offences are treated under Mexican law.
• Family response: The Robinson family and Carter Rhoad’s loved ones may issue further statements after sentencing.
• Official updates: Reliable reporting from ABC News and other established outlets should be checked for the final sentencing outcome.

The convictions settle an important stage of the trial, but the sentencing hearing remains the next major milestone. Any later appeal or legal development should be reported only after it is confirmed by reliable sources.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

The guilty verdict against three men in the murders of Jake and Callum Robinson and their friend Carter Redd Rhoad marks a major development in a case that has affected families and communities in Australia, Mexico and the United States. The judge’s decision followed a lengthy trial examining the alleged robbery, the deaths and the evidence presented by prosecutors and defence lawyers. The victims’ families have described the verdict as an important step towards justice, while acknowledging that no outcome can undo their loss. The next major event is the sentencing hearing scheduled for 16 October 2026, when the court is expected to determine the penalties for the convicted men.