Closing arguments heard in Mexico trial over killing of two Australian brothers and US friend

Left · 2Closing arguments were heard on Thursday in an Ensenada courthouse in the trial of three men accused of killing Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, with a verdict due on Friday. 1 2 Left · 2The three men travelled to Baja California in April 2024 to surf near Punta San José, about 80 kilometres from Ensenada; they were reported missing soon after arriving, and their bodies were found on 3 May in a well. 2 1 Left · 2The defendants are Jesús Gerardo García, known as "El Kekas", Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús. ABC reports they are charged with aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery and grand theft auto, and that all three rejected plea deals that would have meant jail terms of 47 to 52 years. 1 2

Left · 1According to ABC, the defence cast doubt on the credibility of the investigation and on the testimony prosecutors relied on. 1 Left · 1Prosecutors allege García shot the men when they resisted an attempt to steal tires and other parts from their pickup truck, then hid the bodies in the well, according to Baja California Attorney General María Elena Andrade Ramírez. 2 Left · 2García's former partner was sentenced to 20 years in prison last November over her role in the robbery. The Independent names her Ary Gisell Silva Raya and says she pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and violent vehicle theft. ABC spells her name Ari Gisell and adds a fine of 54,285 pesos. 2 1

Left · 1In testimony last month, she told the court that García had confessed to approaching the surfers' tent with a 9 mm handgun, that the men threw their belongings at him, and that one pleaded for his life. Authorities said they found one of the victims' phones in her possession. 2 Left · 2Debra Robinson, mother of the brothers, addressed the court. Per ABC, she asked for "a maximum sentence of imprisonment on those responsible" and said the brothers were the couple's only children. The Independent quotes her calling for "exemplary punishment". 1 2 Left · 2Jake, 31, was a doctor from Perth, and Callum, 32, had lived in the US for 12 years after moving there to play lacrosse. The Robinsons' parents, including Martin Robinson, attended much of the trial. 1 2

Left · 2Rhoad's family also spoke. ABC says his fiancée, Natalie Weirtz, said she believed the accused were guilty and that justice should be served "in the highest degree". The Independent calls the speaker Natalie Rob, Rhoad's wife, who addressed the court by video call and said living without him was "the greatest pain of my life". The two outlets differ on her name and relationship to him. 1 2