Three men have been found guilty of killing Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad during a surfing trip to Mexico in April 2024.

The verdict was delivered by a judge in Baja California on 10 October 2026, marking a major development in a case that attracted international attention and left the victims’ families waiting more than two years for a court decision.

Jake and Callum Robinson were brothers from Western Australia who travelled to Mexico for a surfing holiday. Their American friend, Carter Rhoad, joined them on the trip. The three men were killed while camping in the Baja California region on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

The prosecution alleged that the victims were robbed and shot during the incident. The case became a significant criminal investigation in Mexico, with authorities examining the circumstances of the deaths and the involvement of the accused men.

The three defendants — Jesús Gerardo, known as “El Kekas”, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús — were found guilty of aggravated homicide and related offences. Their full names have been withheld in some reporting for legal reasons. The convictions followed court proceedings in which the prosecution presented its case to the judge.

The victims’ parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, travelled from Western Australia to attend the trial and were present when the verdict was delivered. The outcome brought a significant legal milestone for the family, although the convictions cannot undo the loss of their sons.

After the verdict, Martin Robinson said the family hoped the outcome represented an important step towards justice and accountability. The family also expressed appreciation to the judge, court staff, Australian consular representatives, prosecutors and witnesses who contributed to the proceedings.

During the trial, evidence was presented about the accused men and the events surrounding the killings. The court heard that one defendant, Jesús Gerardo, was alleged to have worked as a hitman and had a list of targets. The judge conveyed condolences to the victims’ family and acknowledged the seriousness of the crimes committed in Mexico.

Before the verdict, the victims’ mother had asked the court to impose the maximum prison sentences permitted by Mexican law. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 16 October 2026, when the court is expected to determine the penalties for the three convicted men.

The case has highlighted the lasting effects of violent crime on families and the challenges of pursuing justice when the offences occur overseas. The Robinson family had to travel internationally to attend court proceedings and follow developments in a foreign legal system.

While the convictions establish the defendants’ criminal responsibility under the court’s findings, the sentencing hearing remains the next important stage. The family’s statements reflect their hope that the outcome will provide accountability and prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy.