Verdict Delivered in Baja California Trial for 2024 Surfer Murders

Key points

• Judge Raul Hernandez ruled that Jesus Gerardo Garcia, Irineo Francisco, and Angel Jesus were guilty of the murders of Callum and Jake Robinson and Carter Rhoad.
• The victims were found in a well in Punta San Jose on May 3, 2024, with gunshot wounds to their heads after a suspected robbery.
• A fourth suspect, Ary Gisell Silva Raya, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in November 2025 after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery and vehicle theft.
• The trial, which began in September 2026, lasted one month and included testimony that Garcia confessed to arriving at the victims' tent with a 9mm pistol.
• Sentencing is set for October 16, 2026; the Baja California State Attorney General requested the 'exemplary sentence' of 210 years for each defendant.

Background

The killings of the Robinson brothers and Carter Rhoad in April 2024 drew significant international attention and grief in Australia and the United States. The victims were on a surfing trip in Baja California, a state known for organized crime and drug trafficking, though cartel activity rarely targets tourists. Previous coverage from our archive in September 2026 detailed the opening of the trial in Ensenada, where prosecutors sought over 200 years in prison for each defendant. The case followed the earlier conviction of the defendants' ex-partner, Ary Gisell Silva Raya, who admitted to instigating the robbery to steal the victims' vehicle and tires.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and The Guardian both reported the guilty verdict on October 9, 2026, highlighting the emotional testimony of the victims' families. The Guardian noted that Debra Robinson burst into tears upon the verdict and expressed no desire for the defendants to gain notoriety. Al Jazeera emphasized the chilling details revealed during the trial, including Garcia's alleged bragging about the victims' reactions. The Inertia provided additional context on the timeline, noting that the surfers were reported missing on April 28, 2024, and that Silva Raya initially claimed she only asked for fuel before Garcia decided to rob them. All sources agree on the core facts of the conviction and the upcoming sentencing, but differ in emphasis: The Guardian focuses on the family's grief and the foundation established in the victims' names, while Al Jazeera and The Inertia focus more on the procedural details and the specific testimony regarding the use of a 9mm pistol.

Why it matters

The verdict marks a significant step in a case that highlighted the vulnerability of foreign tourists in Mexico's most violent state. The lengthy sentencing request of 210 years, despite a 60-year legal maximum, underscores the severity of the crime and the desire for justice from the victims' families. The case also sheds light on the role of local accomplices in facilitating crimes against foreigners, as seen in the prior conviction of Ary Gisell Silva Raya.

What to watch

The judge will announce the final sentence on October 16, 2026. The Baja California State Attorney General's Office has requested 210 years in prison for each defendant, although the maximum sentence in the state is 60 years. The Robinson family plans to continue honoring their sons' legacy through the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation.