Mexican trial over killing of two Australian surfers and US friend reaches its conclusion
A Mexican judge is expected to deliver a verdict in the case of three men accused of killing two Australian surfing brothers and their American friend in 2024. Prosecutors are seeking 150 years in prison for each defendant.
A high-profile murder trial in Mexico is drawing to a close, with a judge expected to rule on Thursday in the case of three men accused of killing two Australian surfers and their American friend.
The victims were Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, aged 30 and 33 respectively, and their friend Carter Rhoad, 30. They had travelled to Mexico's Pacific coast on a surfing trip and were shot dead in Baja California state in what is alleged to have been a robbery.
Court proceedings
The trial began on 8 September in the port city of Ensenada. Closing arguments from the prosecution and defense were scheduled for 6am AEDT, after which the judge is due to announce his verdict. Prosecutors want a 150-year prison term for each of the accused. If the men are convicted, sentencing will take place on Friday.
The brothers' parents, Martin and Debra Robinson, travelled from Australia for the trial and will address the court. Rhoad's mother, Page, and his widow, Natalie Weirtz, will take part in the hearing by video call from the United States.
What happened
The three men were camping in a remote beachside area when they were allegedly attacked in April 2024. Their bodies were later found in a clifftop shaft, each with gunshot wounds to the head.
Their deaths prompted an outpouring of grief and condemnation in both Australia and the United States. At the start of the trial, Martin Robinson described the alleged murders as "hell", saying it is hard for a parent to lose a son and that his family had lost two.
