The mother of two Australian surfers allegedly shot dead by robbers in Mexico says “the world has become a darker place for us” after their deaths.
The bodies of brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and the American Jack Carter Rhoad were found south of Ensenada in northern Mexico last weekafter the men disappeared on the weekend of April 27.
The trio, who were on a surf trip near the city, were Shot to death by thieves who wanted the tires from his truck.according to prosecutors, and their bodies dumped in a remote well 15 meters deep.
Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson with their parents
Debra Robinson paid tribute to her children on a San Diego beach on Tuesday.
“Our hearts are broken and the world has become a darker place for us,” he said. “They were young people who enjoyed their passion for surfing together.
“Jake’s passion was surfing and it was no coincidence that many of the hospitals he worked at were near surfing beaches.”
“Live bigger, shine brighter and love brighter in his memory,” he said, thanking Australian officials and supporters there and in the United States.
Jake and Callum Robinson. Photo: callum10robinson
Mrs Robinson, who also paid tribute to Jack Carter Rhoad, said her children’s bodies, or their ashes, would eventually be brought back to Australia.
“Now is the time to take them to your family and friends,” he said. “And the ocean waits in Australia.”
Prosecutors have identified three people as possible suspects, two of whom were caught with methamphetamines. One of them, a woman, had one of the victims’ cellphones when she was caught, they said.
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Prosecutors said the two were being held pending drug charges but remained suspects in the murders.
A third man was arrested on charges of a crime equivalent to kidnapping, but that was before the bodies were found. It was unclear when or if he might face more charges.
Photos of Callum, Jake and Jack were left on the beach in Ensenada. Photo: AP
Surfers near Ensenada threw flowers in tribute to the men. Photo: AP
The third man is believed to have directly participated in the murders, prosecutors said.
Callum, 33, Jake, 30, and their friend Jack, also 30, had posted photos on social media of secluded beaches shortly before they disappeared.
Callum had reportedly been living in the US to try to become a professional lacrosse player, while Jake, a doctor, had flown to visit him two weeks ago.
The thieves probably saw their truck and tents and wanted their tires, but the men probably resisted, said prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez.
He said the bodies were taken to “a very difficult to access site” in the state of Baja California.
The well, near where his truck and tent were found, also contained a fourth body that had been there much longer, he added.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday he had requested the opportunity to speak to Ms Robinson and her husband Martin.
“This is a terrible tragedy and my heart goes out to you,” Albanese said.