Ensenada court begins trial for 2024 Robinson murder case

The trial of three men accused of murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend, Jack Carter Rhoad, has commenced in Ensenada, Mexico. The victims were killed in April 2024 while camping on the Pacific coast of Baja California during a suspected robbery attempt involving their pickup truck.

The defendants—identified as Jesus Gerardo (known as ‘El Kekas’), Irineo Francisco, and Angel Jesus—face charges including aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, and grand theft auto. The suspects previously rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in prison sentences ranging from 47 to 52 years.

The proceedings have faced early complications, including reports from prosecutors that two witnesses were intimidated by individuals connected to the accused prior to the trial. Additionally, the trial duration was extended from 20 days to four weeks following the appointment of a new judge. The parents of the Robinson brothers traveled from Perth, Australia, to attend the hearings in person.