Three Men Convicted for Killing Australian Brothers and US Friend Receive Over 150 Years Behind Bars

On October 17, a Mexican court in Ensenada sentenced three perpetrators to 158 years and nine months each for the 2024 murders of Australian siblings Jake and Calum Robinson and their American companion Carter Rod. The case, which opened on September 7, ended with all three defendants found guilty of homicide, robbery and vehicle theft.

The men – Jesus Gerardo (nicknamed “El Keko”), Ireneo Francisco and Angel Jesus – were each handed 135 years for the intentional killings, 10 years and nine months for the violent robbery, and 13 years for the illicit seizure of a vehicle.

Authorities say the crime took place on April 27, 2024, when the suspects opened fire on the surfing group as it camped on a lonely stretch of coastline near Ensenada. The victims' bodies were later located in a well carved into a rock formation, each showing bullet impact marks.

The Robinson parents, who never missed a court session, announced a memorial foundation to honor their children’s legacy of openness and love. Calum, a former professional lacrosse player who had moved to the United States, was also recognized for his coastal clean‑up work. Jake, a physician, intended to return to his role at a hospital in Australia after the trip.

Baja California remains one of Mexico’s most dangerous states, dominated by organized crime and drug trafficking networks, although tourists are generally not the primary targets. The tragedy echoes the 2015 killings of Australian surfers Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman, who were murdered while traveling through Sonora.