World · Mexico, Australia, United States of America
Three sentenced to 158 years each for murders of surfers in Mexico
Those killed were Jake and Callum Robinson, two brothers from Australia, and Carter Rhoad, their friend from the United States. Their killers each received 158 years and nine months in prison.
Three men received 158 years and nine months each for murdering three surfers in Mexico.
- The victims were two Australian brothers and their American friend.
- They were killed during a 2024 surfing trip in Baja California.
- SBS reports that the defence plans an appeal.
- Reports differ on the judge’s compensation ruling.
What's new
- Three defendants have each received prison terms of 158 years and nine months.
- SBS reports that the defence intends to appeal.
- Reports differ on whether the judge ordered compensation.
Reports published on 17 October 2026 said a judge in Mexico imposed a prison term of 158 years and nine months on each of three men for the 2024 killings of Jake and Callum Robinson, two Australian brothers, and their American friend Carter Rhoad while they were on a surfing trip in Baja California.123
Sentences and planned appeal
The convictions covered four offences: homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery and the violent theft of a vehicle. According to the BBC and The Straits Times, the three were named Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús. The BBC said their full names could not be published for legal reasons.123
Al Jazeera said state prosecutors in Baja California had requested a 210-year prison sentence for every defendant. According to SBS, the legal team representing the convicted men says it will appeal the sentences.45
The trial began on 7 September, according to The Guardian, while The Straits Times reported that it comprised 24 hearings. The guilty verdicts preceded the sentencing, with the BBC and The Guardian reporting that they had been delivered the previous week.123
The trip and the search
The three friends were killed in April 2024 in what The Guardian described as a suspected robbery. According to the BBC, the assailants apparently attacked the men while trying to take their vehicle at an isolated Baja California beach.12
The Straits Times said the missing-person report was made while the men were on a camping and surfing trip in the Punta San Jose area, roughly 80 kilometres to the south of Ensenada. The FBI helped Mexican authorities search for them over several days.34
Their bodies were recovered from a well, each with gunshot wounds to the head. The Straits Times and Al Jazeera put the discovery on 3 May. The Straits Times also reported that the pickup truck was found burnt several kilometres away.1234
Families and compensation
The victims’ families watched the sentencing hearing by video link, The Guardian reported. Martin and Debra Robinson had travelled from Australia to Ensenada for the trial and established a foundation in their sons’ names, according to the newspaper.2
Accounts differ on compensation. The Guardian reported that prosecutors sought more than $100,000 in damages, but that the judge said compensation must be pursued through civil proceedings. The Straits Times instead reported that the judge ordered payments to the victims’ families.23
Why it matters
For European readers considering travel to Baja California, the case brings attention to security concerns affecting visitors. The BBC reported calls from local surfers for greater protection for residents and tourists; The Straits Times reported that US authorities advised Americans to reconsider travel because of crime and kidnapping risks.13
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