LOCAL police have revealed that the two missing brothers and their friend were allegedly shot dead in a robbery gone wrong while on a surfing trip in Baja California.
Three bodies were found on Friday as the search for the tourists had been underway since April 28.
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A search and rescue team recovered the bodies near the location where Jake Robinson, Callum Robinson, and Carter Rhoad were last seen in Baja California.
The team consisted of anti-homicide unit members and firefighters who arrived at the scene on Friday morning.
Bodies were found in a well next to a cliff at Punta San José in Santo Tomás, in the municipality of Ensenada, near a remote surfing spot known as Lighthouse, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune.
A murder investigation is underway as investigators believe the trio were killed in an attempted robbery, according to Baja California state Attorney-General Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez.
“When they tried to get the vehicle, the victims opposed the robbery, the robbers were armed with a firearm and apparently shot the victims,” she told 7News, according to The DailyMail.
Shell casings were also found at the campsite were the three men were last seen.
Witnesses last saw the men on April 27 in the La Bocana de Santo Tomás area, according to the Baja California prosecutor, María Elena Andrade Ramirez.
Callum and Jake, brothers from Australia, were with Carter, an American, and all three of them traveled from San Diego, California.
The three surfers were on vacation in the Ensenada Municipality in Baja, known as one of Mexico’s most violent states due to mass amounts of organized crime.
Their mother, Debra Robinson reported her sons missing when they never showed up to their Airbnb over the weekend and contact had cut off abruptly.
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During a press conference on Thursday, Ramirez said police found the tourists’ white pickup truck on fire in the same area during a search.
They also found tents that were said to have belonged to the men.
“At this moment, a team of investigators is in the location where it seems they were seen for the last time, where tents were found along with some evidence that could be related to these three people included in the investigation,” Ramirez said.
The bodies have not been identified or confirmed as of Saturday.
‘A VERY DIRE SITUATION’
Before bodies were found during the search, Debra made a desperate post to Instagram.
“Australian friends, Jake and Callum Robinson have gone missing around Rosarita/Ensenada region of Baja California Norte Saturday morning,” she wrote.
She also stressed the severity of the situation because Callum is diabetic.
“They were likely surfing. Callum is diabetic—this is a very dire situation.”
Callum, a talented lacrosse player, moved to the United States to pursue his dreams.
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While his brother Jake, a doctor, visited him for a surfing trip.
As the investigation began to unfold, Debra and Martin Robinson traveled to Mexico.
On Friday, the concerned parents spoke proudly about their sons, sharing that this was “a trip of a lifetime” until communication ceased abruptly.
The Robinsons also thanked those who have been hoping for their son’s return as well as the people involved in the investigation.
“We thank everyone, especially the police, DFAT, Australian embassy staff and other authorities, for continuing the search to find the answers we desperately seek,” they said, according to The Nightly.
‘A TRUE INSPIRATION’
The bodies have not been formally identified as the missing men, but Callum’s college lacrosse team from Stevenson University has already made a post claiming he had been killed.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear teammate and friend, Callum Robinson. From his days leading us to victory on the field to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, Callum was a true inspiration to us all,” the post read.
The team page went on to discuss his dedication and leadership on and off the field.
Everyone gets to die, but man not everyone truly lives. You certainly lived!
Brett Hiken
“But beyond his accolades, Callum will be remembered for his infectious spirit and larger-than-life personality. With his beautiful long hair and charming smile, he truly embodied the nickname ‘big koala’—warm, friendly, and always there to lend a helping hand.
“Though he may be gone, Callum’s legacy will live on in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
“Rest easy, Callum. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
One of his teammates, Will Manny thanked Callum for “showing everyone how to smile big, laugh hard and enjoy life,” according to The Daily Mail.
“Callum Robinson, Jake Robinson and (Carter) Rhoad, rest in peace. And to your families, the lacrosse community is here for you,” he said.
Another friend of the lacrosse player, Brett Hiken, said Callum was “one of one.”
“All I keep thinking is how lucky are we to of gotten to love and know you. You made everyone feel like family and everyone was your best friend. Our best memories were always with you,” he wrote.
“Truth is, everyone wanted to be like you but no one was even on the same planet. It was an honor to get to be your friend. The room turned every time you entered without even opening your mouth. love you like the brother you are and most importantly thank you.
“Everyone gets to die, but man not everyone truly lives. You certainly lived!”
Two brothers and a 23-year-old woman are currently being questioned by police, according to ABC News Australia.
A picture of the woman was released as she was found with one of the missing men’s phones and a bag of drugs, according to Ramirez.
The U.S. Sun has contacted the Baja California prosecutor’s office and the local police department for an update.
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