A Mexican judge has sentenced three men to 158 years and nine months in jail each for the 2024 murders of Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their US friend Carter Rhoad during a botched robbery.
The victims were killed on a secluded beach in Baja California while on a surfing trip. The court heard that the bodies were found dumped down a well with gunshot wounds to their heads. The murders shocked locals and tourists in Ensenada, a town known for its welcoming atmosphere for surfers.
The guilty verdict was handed down last week. The convicted men were identified only by their first names for legal reasons. The girlfriend of the alleged ringleader was separately sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the robbery. The victims' families had to wait a week to identify the bodies after the murders.
Why it matters
The case highlights the vulnerability of tourists in regions of Mexico typically considered safe, affecting the local tourism-dependent economy.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Local authorities may face pressure to improve security measures in Ensenada following calls from residents and surfers.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.