In Brief
- Three men are on trial in the murder case.
- The Robinsons' parents have travelled to Mexico for the start of the trial.
The parents of two Australian surfers allegedly killed at a Mexican surfing hotspot in 2024 say they're searching for answers as a trial began in the border resort where the pair were murdered.
Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, aged 30 and 33, respectively, and 30-year-old American friend Jack Carter Rhoad were shot dead after being robbed in Mexico's violence-hit Baja California.
They were camping in a remote beachside area when they were attacked. Their bodies were found several days later dumped in a cliff-top shaft with gunshot wounds to their heads.
Authorities said the men were killed during an attempt to steal their pickup truck, which was later found burned near their bodies, which were allegedly found in a well.
The Robinsons' parents travelled to the port city of Ensenada for the start of the trial.
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"It's about representing our sons, being here for them. I know they want us to be here," Martin Robinson told reporters as he entered the court with his wife Debra.
"We want to find out what happened. We want to find out why," he said.
Three men are on trial for homicide.
The girlfriend of one of the accused was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year after admitting she had instigated the robbery.
The crime sparked outrage and sadness in Australia and the United States.
Callum Robinson played professional lacrosse in the US. His brother Jake was pursuing a career in medicine.
Rhoad was killed a few months before he was set to marry.
Other foreign tourists have previously been targeted in criminal attacks on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Two Australian surfers were murdered in 2015 while travelling through the northwestern state of Sinaloa in the north-west.
Their bodies were later burned.
Debra Robinson described her sons and their friend Rhoad as "young men enjoying their passion of surfing together".
"Callum was a lovable, larger-than-life character and considered the United States his second home," she said in 2024.
"Known as 'Big Koala', he played professional lacrosse in the PLL (the US Premier Lacrosse League) and represented Australia in the world championships.
"His brother, Jake, was a happy, gentle and compassionate soul who was pursuing a career in medicine."
Jake was also a "cricket tragic" and loved live music and festivals, she added.
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