Three of the four individuals charged in connection with the murders of Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad are pursuing plea deals with Mexican prosecutors. This development follows a court hearing held in Ensenada, located in Baja California, where the tragic incident occurred in April 2022.
The Robinson brothers, who hailed from the northern suburbs of Perth, were on a surfing trip when they were targeted during a robbery that escalated into violence. Prosecutors allege that the group was ambushed while traveling in a Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck to their campsite at Punta San Jose, a popular surf spot along the Baja California coastline. The authorities believe that the victims were approached by criminals who aimed to steal the car’s tires and were killed when they resisted.
During the recent hearing, the defence attorney for Ari Giselle, a 24-year-old woman charged with drug possession and possession of stolen items related to the incident, indicated her intention to negotiate a plea deal. This prompted similar requests from Angel Jesus and Irineo Francisco, both of whom face serious charges including aggravated homicide and robbery. The fourth accused, Jesus Gerardo, known as “El Kekas,” faces even more severe charges and will have his case addressed separately due to his alleged role as the instigator of the killings. Gerardo has a documented history of criminal activity and connections to organized crime and corrupt law enforcement.
The campsite where the victims were staying, known as La Bocana, is situated approximately two hours from the nearest main road and is primarily accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles. This area has been identified as a hotspot for local drug labs and marijuana cultivation, with previous reports confirming its use for transporting drugs and migrants across the ocean to the United States. Despite the region’s notorious reputation, authorities have stated that the murders are not linked to cartel violence.
In court, Gerardo’s new attorney requested a six-month adjournment to review the case materials, a motion that was denied. The accused appeared in orange prison uniforms, with Gerardo displaying a serious demeanor while Giselle appeared visibly anxious. Francisco and Jesus participated in the hearing via video link from El Hongo prison. Family members of the victims, including the Robinson brothers’ parents, attended the hearing remotely, highlighting the ongoing impact of this tragic case.
The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing on November 13 for Giselle, Angel Jesus, and Irineo Francisco to determine if they have reached an agreement with prosecutors. Should negotiations fail, the case will proceed to trial. Gerardo is set to return to court on August 9. The legal proceedings continue to unfold as the families of the victims seek justice for their loss.
