The bodies of an American and two Australian surfers, who were recently reported missing in northern Mexico, have been identified by their families, according to Mexican authorities. The three men—Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their friend, American citizen Carter Rhoad—were found at the bottom of a well in Baja California after an extensive search.
All three men, who were in their early 30s, were shot in the head. They had disappeared while on a surfing trip near Ensenada, a popular tourist destination about 90 minutes south of the U.S.-Mexico border. Authorities believe they were killed after resisting an attempted theft of their pick-up truck, which was later found burned nearby.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed condolences to the Robinson family, calling the ordeal “absolutely horrendous” and saying the country’s thoughts are with the families involved.
Three suspects, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the case. One of the suspects has a history of violence, drug dealing, and robbery.
The bodies were recovered from a well approximately 50 feet deep and were in an advanced state of decomposition. Another unrelated body was also discovered at the site.
The men were last seen on April 27, and a search was launched a few days later, with assistance from the FBI.
Baja California, despite being one of Mexico’s most violent states due to organized crime, is known for its beaches, and Ensenada is generally considered a safer area. However, during a news conference, a reporter questioned why such a swift search was conducted for foreigners while investigations into local disappearances often take much longer. The state prosecutor responded that every investigation is different.
On Sunday, a crowd of mourners, surfers, and demonstrators gathered in Ensenada to honor the men and express their outrage over the killings. Many carried surfboards with messages like “beaches, security, freedom, peace,” “no more deaths,” and “Australia, we are with you.”
