Big update in Mexico murder case

12-07-2025

A fourth person has been charged with the alleged killings of two Australian surfers and their American friend in three allegedly execution-style murders in Mexico.
The ABC reports that Irineo Francisco is the latest to be named and charged for the killings of Perth brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and American Jack Carter Rhoad on a surfing trip in Mexico's Baja California.
Mr Francisco joins fellow co-accused Jesús Gerardo, Ari Gisell, and Ángel Jesús, whose surnames are under suppression.
The ABC spoke to prosecutor Miguel Ángel Gaxiola Rodríguez, who said that the four alleged killers had attempted to rob the trio, having found foreigners in an isolated location, and there was no evidence of cartel involvement.
Prosecutors will allege the incident was a robbery-gone wrong.
Mr Gaxiola Rodríguez told the ABC that the state had a strong case.
'We have compelling evidence, including witness statements, and we have found the vehicle,' she said.
'The objective is to ensure that the accused are brought to trial and convicted of the homicide and robbery.'
The Robinson brothers were on a surfing trip in Mexico in April last year with Mr Rhoad, but were reported missing on April 27.
Their bodies were found at the bottom of a well on May 3 in which investigators also found another body, unrelated to the case.
Investigators said that all three men were shot in the back of the head with a single bullet.
The first arrest was made on May 1 when Ari Gisell was pulled over for a routine traffic stop.
She reportedly threw 100g of meth on the ground and attempted to flee, and up on searching the vehicle officers found a iPhone belonging to Mr Rhoad and more narcotics.
She then turned in two of the men including Jesús Gerardo, who she said had told her: 'I f*cked up three gringos.'
All three men faces charges of aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery, grand theft auto and forced disappearance.
Ari Gisell faces all the same charges except forced disappearance.
Three wooden statues have been installed six weeks ago overlooking the Northern Baja coast in memory of the three men. Wooden statues have been installed to commemorate the men. Credit: News Corp Australia
The Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation posted on social media about the unveiling, saying the statues honour lives that 'continue to inspire'.
'Yesterday's unveiling ceremony brought together surfers, representatives from the Australian embassy and the Baja California governor's office.
' After a few words were shared, the community honoured the boys with a traditional paddle out.
'We are deeply grateful for the continued love, remembrance, and support from around the world.'