A Mexican court has convicted three men of the murders of two Australian brothers and their American friend during a 2024 surfing trip along Mexico’s Pacific coast. The men were found guilty of aggravated homicide, kidnapping, robbery, and assault after a five-week trial in Ensenada, Baja California.

Jake Robinson, 30, and Callum Robinson, 33, both from Australia, along with their 30-year-old American friend, Jack Carter Rhoad, were attacked and killed near Ensenada on April 27, 2024. The victims had been camping in a remote beachside area when the assault occurred. Their bodies were discovered days later at the bottom of a well, bearing gunshot wounds to the head. According to prosecutors, the murders occurred during a robbery, and evidence showed the campsite and victim’s vehicle had been burned.

The three defendants—Jesus Gerardo, Irineo Francisco, and Angel Jesus—were convicted by Judge Raul Hernandez Arellano, who noted the crimes were committed with premeditation. The trio remained silent throughout the proceedings and were seen shackled in court. The judge expressed sorrow for the family’s loss and shame that such a crime occurred within Mexico.

The victims’ parents, Martin and Debra Robinson, who traveled from Australia to attend the month-long trial, welcomed the guilty verdict but acknowledged that nothing could undo their grief. “While no verdict can ever bring back our boys or ease the heartbreak of losing them, we hope this outcome represents an important step towards justice and accountability,” Martin Robinson said outside the courtroom. He described the loss as leaving an enormous void, emphasizing that his sons had their entire lives ahead of them.

The group had begun the trip in late April 2024, traveling from San Diego, California, down the Mexican coastline for surfing and camping. A fourth friend accompanying them had returned to the United States for work prior to the incident. The remaining three continued traveling south until they went missing. Callum’s birthday—May 1—marked the beginning of a search prompted by a call to the Robinson family from one of their friends. Authorities and friends from the U.S. joined in the search efforts, which led to the discovery of the bodies.

Sentencing for the convicted men is scheduled for October 16. The Robinson family is expected to return to Australia soon after the conclusion of the trial.