Three individuals charged in connection with the deaths of Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson, alongside their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, are pursuing plea deals with Mexican prosecutors. This development occurred during a court hearing held on Friday afternoon in Ensenada, located in Baja California, regarding the incident that took place during a surf trip in April 2022.
The Robinson brothers, from the northern suburbs of Perth, were tragically killed while traveling with Rhoad to their campsite at Punta San Jose. According to prosecutors, the group was allegedly targeted by criminals intent on stealing the tyres from their vehicle. The confrontation escalated, resulting in the fatal attack.
A total of four people have been charged in relation to the murders. During the recent hearing, the legal representative for Ari Giselle, a 24-year-old woman facing charges of drug possession and possession of stolen property, indicated her intention to negotiate a plea deal. This prompted similar requests from two other defendants, Angel Jesus and Irineo Francisco, both of whom face more severe charges, including aggravated homicide and robbery.
The fourth defendant, Jesus Gerardo, also known as “El Kekas,” is set to have his charges addressed separately due to their gravity. Allegations suggest that Gerardo was the mastermind behind the killings and that he has a history of legal troubles, including ties to organized crime and possible corruption among local law enforcement.
Context of the Incident
The campsite where the trio was attacked, La Bocana, is notoriously isolated, approximately two hours from the nearest main road and accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Reports have highlighted the area’s association with local drug operations and marijuana cultivation. Although the region is currently a battleground for various drug cartels, including the Tijuana Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel, authorities have stated that the murders of the Robinson brothers were not linked to cartel violence.
During Friday’s court proceedings, Gerardo’s new defense attorney requested a six-month delay to familiarize himself with the case, but the request was denied. Since his arrest, Gerardo has changed legal representation multiple times. In court, both Gerardo and Giselle appeared without handcuffs, dressed in orange uniforms. Giselle exhibited signs of anxiety, while Gerardo maintained a serious and stoic demeanor. Meanwhile, Francisco and Jesus participated via video link from El Hongo prison.
The hearing was attended virtually by the parents of Callum and Jake Robinson, along with other family members and friends of the victims. The next court date for Giselle, Francisco, and Jesus is scheduled for November 13, where they will discuss whether they have reached an agreement with prosecutors. Gerardo’s next appearance is set for August 9.
The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the complexities surrounding this tragic case, as families mourn the loss of loved ones while seeking justice in a challenging legal landscape.
