Three men sentenced to 158 years each over murders of surfers in Mexico

Three men have each been sentenced to 158 years and nine months in prison for murdering two Australian brothers and their American friend during a surfing trip in Mexico in 2024. The sentence was handed down in Ensenada on Friday, a week after a Baja California court found them guilty. [1] [2]

The victims were brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their friend Carter Rhoad. They were camping near Punta San José, about 80km south of Ensenada, when they were reported missing in late April 2024. Their bodies were found at the bottom of a well on 3 May. [1] [2]

Prosecutors said the men tried to steal the visitors’ vehicle and shot them when they resisted. The court convicted the three defendants of homicide, aggravated robbery and vehicle theft with violence. [2]

The killings prompted concern among local surfers and tourism businesses. Antonio Otáñez, president of the Baja California surfing association, welcomed the sentence, saying “justice has been served”. He also said the murders had caused a major drop in tourist visits, particularly by surfers. [1] [2]

A fourth person, Ary Gisell Silva Raya, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in November 2025 for her involvement in the robbery and vehicle theft. The defendants’ legal team says it will appeal the sentence. [1] [2]