Latest news with #JesúsGerardo
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Mexican authorities say Australian brothers killed near beach known for drug-running
The court heard the man believed to be responsible for the men's murders – Jesús Gerardo – has a long background with law enforcement, including connections to organised crime and allegedly corrupt Mexican police officers. Loading 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.
The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
Mexican authorities say Australian brothers killed near beach known for drug-running
The court heard the man believed to be responsible for the men's murders – Jesús Gerardo – has a long background with law enforcement, including connections to organised crime and allegedly corrupt Mexican police officers. Loading 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.
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Perth Now
Big update in Mexico murder case
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.'
West Australian
7 days ago
- West Australian
Fourth person charged with murder of Aussie surfers Callum and Jake Robinson in Mexico
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. 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.'
