The alleged killers of two Australian surfers and an American at a Mexican surfing hotspot in 2024 have gone on trial in the border resort where the three were murdered.
The Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, aged 30 and 33, respectively, and their 30-year-old American friend Jack Carter Rhoad were shot dead after being robbed in Mexico’s violence-hit Baja California.
They were camping in a remote beachside area when they were attacked. Their bodies were found hidden on a cliff.
The Robinsons’ parents travelled to the port city of Ensenada for the start of the trial.
“It’s about representing our sons, being here for them. I know they want us to be here,” Martin Robinson told reporters as he entered the court with his wife, Debra.
“We want to find out what happened. We want to find out why,” he said.
Three men are on trial for homicide.
The girlfriend of one of the accused was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year after admitting she had instigated the robbery.
The crime sparked outrage and sadness in Australia and the United States.
Callum Robinson played professional lacrosse in the US. His brother Jake was pursuing a career in medicine. Rhoad was killed a few months before he was due to marry.
Other foreign tourists have previously been targeted in criminal attacks on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Their bodies were later burned.
