American surfers Jack Carter Rhoad, aged 30, and Australian brothers Callum, aged 33, and Jake Robinson, aged 30, were found dead in Mexico during a surfing vacation. Authorities believe the trio was likely killed when they refused to hand over their car to a group of carjackers. The bodies were discovered alongside their burnt white pick-up truck nearly a week after they disappeared from Baja California. It is theorized that the tragic incident occurred when the local bandits approached the men while they were at their beach camp at a popular surf spot known as La Bocana. The robbers, armed with a firearm, shot the victims when they resisted the robbery, according to Baja California’s chief prosecutor.
Despite the motive being car theft, the killers did not take the vehicle they likely murdered the trio for. Instead, the car was set on fire at the campsite where the bodies were found. While the police have not confirmed the exact cause of death, shell casings were found at the campsite, indicating gun violence was involved. Additionally, three male bodies were discovered at the bottom of a well at a nearby ranch, with one of the bodies identified as the property owner who went missing two weeks prior. Mexican officials have not officially confirmed the identities of the bodies as Georgia resident Rhoad and the Robinson brothers, but it is believed to be them based on a “high degree of probability.”
Following the disappearance of the Robinson brothers and Rhoad, law enforcement officials made several arrests in connection with the case. Jesús Gerardo Garcia Cota, also known as El Kekas, along with his partner Ari Gisel García Cota and brother Cristian Alejandro Garcia were taken into custody, although they have not yet been charged with murder. The suspects were found in possession of methamphetamine and other illegal narcotics at the time of their arrest, and one of the surfer’s phones was found on Ari Gisel García Cota when she was apprehended. The investigation into the disappearance and subsequent deaths of the men is ongoing.
The trio of surfers were last seen in April 27 enjoying the tropical climate of the coast before being reported missing a few days later when they did not show up to their rented Airbnb further south. Callum Robinson documented their vacation on social media, sharing photos of their adventures along the Pacific Coast, including surfing, camping, and enjoying local food and drinks. The men were seen wearing wetsuits and appeared to be having a good time before their sudden disappearance. One photo shared by Callum featured the white pick-up truck that sources believe is the same vehicle found burned at the abandoned campsite where the bodies were discovered.
Callum Robinson, a former lacrosse player who graduated from Stevenson University in Baltimore, was among the victims of the tragic incident. The university issued a statement mourning his death, remembering him as a star athlete who played for the Premier Lacrosse League. Baja California, where the incident occurred, is known to be one of Mexico’s most violent states, although tourist areas like Ensenada, where the surfers were last seen, are considered safer. The deaths of Jack Carter Rhoad and the Robinson brothers have sparked outrage and sorrow among their loved ones and the broader surfing community, highlighting the dangers that travelers may face in certain regions.
