Mexican authorities say Australian brothers killed near beach known for drug-running
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Jesús Gerardo, also known as 'El kekas', Angel Jesús and Ari Grisell were all arrested soon after the killings, while a fourth man – Irineo Francisco – was arrested some time later.
Gerardo, Jesús and Francisco were charged with aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery, grand theft auto and forced disappearance.
Grisell was charged with the same offences, excluding forced disappearance.
Gerardo and Francisco both appeared via video link from the maximum security 'El Hongo' prison, while Grisell and Jesús appeared in person in court on Thursday.
They have different attorneys, but two failed to appear in court, leading to the pre-trial hearing being rescheduled to later this month.
Gerardo's attorney requested to join all the charges together on the same indictment to streamline further court processes.
The outcome of the request will be determined at the pre-trial hearing on July 25.
This masthead understands there have been difficulties in determining and agreeing on the facts of the case, with the district attorney confident Jesús Gerardo would be able to be convicted on a number of offences including aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery when committed at night, robbery with violence, vehicle theft with violence and forced disappearance.
The other three may have their charges changed to exclude aggravated homicide. All four will remain in prison until the next hearing.
A Mexican not-for-profit aimed at combatting corruption said it was important to see justice was 'finally getting back on track' in a country where '99 per cent of murders never see light'.
Impunidad Cero said the case was moving 'surprisingly fast', likely due to pressure from both the international consulate and media.
It said nearly two thirds of Mexican people had lost trust in the local justice system, and 77 per cent of Mexicans believe crime is often only prioritised when it is subject to media or political pressure.
Human rights organisations have said previously many victims of crime in Mexico are predominantly Mexicans, with cartels avoiding targeting tourists due to the potential of attracting attention.
The fourth body in the well where the bodies of the men were found was believed to be that of a farmer who recently lost control of the ranch to the Sinaloa cartel.
Authorities have previously said the men's deaths were not connected to cartel violence, and were instead petty theft gone wrong.
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime researcher Cecilia Farfán-Méndez previously said cartels rarely targeted tourists, as it was more likely to draw attention from media.
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