Trial reveals details of deaths of Australian brothers and San Diego surfer killed in Mexico – NBC 7 San Diego

On Thursday, Mexican authorities held a news conference to provide more details about the deaths of three surfers – two brothers from Australia and a man from San Diego – who had taken a trip to the Ensenada area of ​​Baja California.

The governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, announced that three people were in custody as part of the investigation into the execution killings.

One of them was identified as 33-year-old Jesús Gerardo. That is his first and middle name, rather than the first and last name as is common in the Mexican criminal justice system. It is also nicknamed El Kekas, which is slang for a snack or quesadilla. He made his first court appearance on Wednesday and is currently charged with kidnapping.

During the hearing, the judge read a letter from a woman who claimed to be the man’s friend. She was also arrested as part of this investigation when police found her with the phones of one of the missing men. She said that Jesús Gerardo confessed to the murders to her. She also confirmed what Mexican investigators had already said, namely that they believe it was a robbery gone wrong.

The third person in custody is Jesús Gerardo’s brother. No charges have been filed against the girlfriend and brother, but prosecutors say they are not done investigating and that more charges may be added and even more people could be charged.

In memory of Callum, Carter and Jake

Callum Robinson, Jake Robinson and Carter Rhoad were last heard from on April 27th. They went on a surfing trip to Baja, but concerns grew when they didn’t arrive at a scheduled Airbnb.

According to Mexican authorities, their bodies were found in a well in a remote coastal area four miles from where the men were camping. The coroner in Baja California said they each died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Callum lived in Ocean Beach, where Jake visited him, although the brothers are from Australia. Rhoad lived in Point Loma. The Robinsons’ parents traveled to Ocean Beach and shared an emotional statement with the media. They said the US has become Callum’s second home and the Ocean Beach community appears to have embraced the professional lacrosse player.

“Callum was a lovable, larger-than-life character,” said his mother, Debra Robinson.

Debra said Callum played for Australia in the World Lacrosse Championships and always made time to coach young players.

Jake, meanwhile, pursued a career in medicine. His family said he loved running, swimming and attending live music festivals and concerts.

“Jake was a happy, gentle and compassionate soul,” Debra said.

Carter Rhoad played football at Point Loma Nazarene University before graduating in 2014. His former coach said: “His love for life was infectious and he brought love and hope to everyone he knew.” He had recently agreed to rejoin the program, this time as a volunteer coach.

Aside from their love of life, the three men shared a passion for surfing.

“Now it’s time to bring them home to family and friends and to the ocean waves of Australia,” Debra said, adding a plea to the community her sons have built across borders and oceans: “Please live bigger, shine brighter and love stronger in their memory.” .”