The remains of three missing surfers from Australia and the U.S. were found near the Mexican fishing port of Ensenada, where they were killed in an apparent carjacking. The bodies were identified by family members in person at the request of Baja California state prosecutors. The bodies were recovered from a remote well about 50 feet deep in La Bocana, south of Ensenada. The victims were identified as Jake and Callum Robinson from Australia, and Jack Carter Rhoad from the U.S. The three surfers were believed to have been living in San Diego.
The cause of death for the three victims was determined to be gunshot wounds to the head, according to the Ensenada medical examiner’s office. Prosecutors stated that the motive for the killings was carjacking and that the assailants may have been particularly interested in the pickup truck used by the missing surfers. The three surfers were staying at a makeshift encampment during a fishing and surfing trip south of Ensenada, an area known for its remote and challenging surfing conditions. Authorities found traces of the victims’ presence at the campsite, including spent gun shells, bloodstains, and marks indicating bodies had been dragged.
Three individuals were being questioned in connection with the case, with two of them being held on methamphetamine-related allegations and the third being the subject of a kidnapping warrant. Chief state prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez mentioned the possibility of evidence, such as a victim’s cellphone, connecting the trio to the case. A fourth body was also discovered in the well with the three surfers, although it was believed to be part of an unrelated case. Mexican authorities met with the parents of the three men to provide updates on the investigation and assure them that those responsible would be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The three missing surfers had not returned to their Airbnb rental in Rosarito on April 27, prompting a search effort by their families and authorities. The incident raised concerns about the safety of tourists in the region, with fears of cartel and drug-related violence in areas like Tijuana. Baja California has typically been considered a safe destination for tourists, especially for those interested in surfing and other outdoor activities. The tragic discovery of the bodies of the surfers highlighted the growing issue of insecurity and violence in the region, leading to calls for justice and increased safety measures for visitors.
The news of the missing surfers and their tragic deaths prompted protests in Ensenada, with people demanding better security and peace in the region. Surfers and tourists alike expressed shock and sadness over the incident, which served as a stark reminder of the dangers present in certain parts of Mexico. The families of the victims were devastated by the loss of their loved ones and sought answers and justice for the heinous crime. Authorities continued their investigation into the case, hoping to bring those responsible for the murders to justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.
