The mother of two Australian surfers, Callum and Jake Robinson, who were tragically killed in Mexico, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her sons at a beach in San Diego. Debra Robinson, fighting back tears, expressed her grief and described her sons as young men who were passionate about surfing. The incident occurred in Baja California, Mexico, allegedly at the hands of car thieves around April 28 or 29. Jack Carter Rhoad, an American who was with the Robinson brothers, also lost his life in the incident.
During her tribute, Robinson emphasized the strong connection her son Callum had with the United States, considering it his second home. She mentioned that Jake, a doctor, deliberately chose hospitals near surfing beaches to pursue his passion for surfing. With tears in her eyes, Robinson urged others to live bigger, shine brighter, and love harder in memory of her adventurous sons.
While expressing gratitude towards Australian officials and supporters, Robinson notably did not thank the local officials in Baja California who eventually discovered the bodies of her sons and Carter Rhoad. The bodies were found dumped in a well, approximately 4 miles away from the beachside campsite where the attack took place. Surprisingly, beneath the three foreigners’ bodies, investigators discovered a fourth body that had been there for a longer period, although its connection to the current case remains unclear.
Prosecutors have identified three potential suspects, two of whom were apprehended with methamphetamines. One of the suspects, a woman, was found in possession of one of the victims’ cellphones. While they are currently held on drug charges, they are also considered suspects in the killings. Another man was arrested on charges equivalent to kidnapping before the bodies were discovered, and it is uncertain if he will face additional charges. This third suspect, known as Jesús Gerardo or “el Kekas,” has a criminal record involving drug dealing, vehicle theft, and domestic violence. Authorities believe that more individuals were involved in the crime.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences to the Robinson family, acknowledging the devastating loss of their sons. He shared his own experience of worry when his son traveled abroad, highlighting the Australian tradition of backpacking and meeting new people as a means of personal growth.
This tragic incident is reminiscent of a similar case in 2015 when two Australian surfers, Adam Coleman and Dean Lucas, were killed by highway bandits in western Sinaloa state, Mexico. Three suspects were arrested in connection with that crime.
