Jake and Callum Robinson: Mexican prosecutor says no cartel link to murder of Perth surfer brothers

The Mexican prosecutor leading the case against four people accused of killing Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson has ruled out any connection to cartel activity, saying it was more likely a botched robbery. Miguel Ángel Gaxiola Rodríguez says there is still no evidence linking the brutal murders to organised crime, the ABC reported. This is despite the horrific killings occurring in an area notorious for cartel activity and violence. Instead, Mr Gaxiola Rodríguez believes the most likely reason for the murders was tyre theft. Jake and Callum Robinson had been camping in a remote part of northern Mexico with their American friend Carter Rhoad when they were each shot in the head in April 2024. Their bodies were then callously dumped in a 15-metre-deep well in Baja California. A fourth, unrelated body was also found in the same location. Mr Gaxiola Rodriguez told the ABC: “It appears the perpetrators identified an opportunity for robbery when they encountered the foreigners in a highly isolated location. “These individuals exploited the circumstances to perpetrate the robbery, resulting in the fatal shooting of the three foreigners.” Four people are now facing charges over the killings: Jesús Gerardo, known as “El Kekas”; his then-girlfriend Ari Gisell; Ángel Jesús; and Irineo Francisco. Mexican laws prevent the publication of the group’s surnames. Since their arrests, a court was told Gerardo — who was the first to be taken into custody — had allegedly confessed to his then-partner, showing her the allegedly stolen tyres and then allegedly telling her: “I f...ed up three gringos”. All the defendants are due to appear in court next week, where they will face charges of aggravated homicide — which carries a maximum penalty of 60 years, violent robbery, and grand theft auto, with the three men also facing an addition count of forced disappearance. “We have compelling evidence, including witness statements, and we have found the vehicle,” Mr Gaxiola Rodríguez said. “The objective is to ensure that the accused are brought to trial and convicted of the homicide and robbery.”

Jake and Callum Robinson: Mexican prosecutor says no cartel link to murder of Perth surfer brothers

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