US and Australian surfers likely faced a grim fate in Mexico as they were possibly executed during a ruthless carjacking, a report suggests. The victims, including American surfer Jack Carter Rhoad and Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson, were found deceased alongside their charred white pickup truck nearly a week after disappearing in Baja California.
Authorities speculate that the tragic turn of events unfolded when local assailants approached the men at their beach camp in La Bocana, a renowned surfing spot. Reportedly, the perpetrators, armed with firearms, demanded the victims’ vehicle. Upon encountering resistance, they allegedly resorted to lethal force, leading to the demise of the surfers.
Shockingly, the perpetrators did not abscond with the vehicle they ostensibly targeted, opting instead to set it ablaze at the campsite. While the precise cause of death remains unconfirmed, law enforcement discovered shell casings at the scene.
Following a grim discovery, firefighters spent several hours retrieving three male bodies found at the bottom of a well at a nearby ranch. Although Mexican officials have yet to officially confirm the identities, there’s a strong likelihood that they belong to Rhoad and the Robinson brothers.
Suspicions intensified when police apprehended Jesús Gerardo Garcia Cota, also known as El Kekas, along with his associates, in connection with the surfers’ disappearance.
However, murder charges have yet to be filed against them. Notably, the suspects were found in possession of methamphetamine and other illicit substances at the time of their arrest. Additionally, one of the suspects was reportedly carrying a surfer’s phone upon apprehension.
The Robinsons and Rhoad were last seen on April 27, enjoying the coastal delights of Baja California. Their social media posts documented their adventurous journey along the Pacific Coast, including surfing, camping, and indulging in local cuisine.
However, their failure to arrive at a pre-booked Airbnb further south raised concerns, leading to a delayed missing person report.
The tragic incident has reverberated beyond the surfing community, prompting tributes from institutions like Stevenson University, where Callum Robinson was a celebrated alumnus and lacrosse player.
While Baja California grapples with a reputation for violence, tourist areas like Ensenada are considered comparatively safe, underscoring the jarring nature of this heinous crime.