Debra Robinson, the mother of two Australian surfers who were killed in Mexico, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her sons at a beach in San Diego. She mourned the loss of her sons, who were allegedly killed by car thieves in Baja California, along with an American named Jack Carter Rhoad. Robinson spoke about her sons’ love for surfing and adventurous lifestyles, sharing that Callum considered the United States his second home, while Jake worked at hospitals near surfing beaches as a doctor.
The bodies of the three men were found dumped in a well near a beachside campsite in Baja California. Mexican authorities discovered a fourth body underneath the foreigners, sparking speculation about the nature of the crime. Robinson expressed her gratitude to Australian officials and supporters for their assistance, but notably did not thank local officials in Baja California who eventually found the bodies of her sons and Carter Rhoad. She shared her plan to bring her sons’ bodies, or their ashes, back to Australia, where the ocean awaited them.
Prosecutors have identified three potential suspects in the case, two of whom were caught with methamphetamines. One suspect, a woman, was found in possession of one of the victims’ cellphones. The suspects remain in custody on drug charges and are considered suspects in the killings. A third man, believed to have directly participated in the murders, was arrested on charges related to kidnapping. Mexican authorities confirmed that more individuals were likely involved in the crime.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences to the Robinson family, calling the deaths of Callum and Jake Robinson a tragic loss. Albanese shared his own experiences as a parent, reflecting on his concerns when his son traveled to Spain. The prime minister highlighted the shared sentiment of the nation in mourning the loss of the two brothers. The deaths of the Australian surfers in Mexico have raised concerns about safety and security for travelers in the region, especially in light of past incidents involving foreign visitors.
In a similar case in 2015, Australian surfers Adam Coleman and Dean Lucas were killed in western Sinaloa state, across the Gulf of California from the Baja peninsula. Authorities attributed their deaths to highway bandits and arrested three suspects in the case. The killings of both sets of Australian surfers highlight the dangers faced by travelers in Mexico and raise questions about law enforcement capabilities in investigating such crimes. The tragic deaths of Callum and Jake Robinson, along with Jack Carter Rhoad, have left their families and friends devastated, underscoring the need for justice and accountability in this case.
