Following their attendance at the Coachella music festival in California, three individuals, brothers Callum Robinson and Jake Robinson, in addition to their companion Jack Carter Rhoad, embarked on a surfing trip to Baja California, Mexico. They were reported missing when they did not reach their prearranged Airbnb lodging in Rosarito.
Remains of the three men, bearing gunshot wounds to the head, were unearthed by Mexican authorities at the bottom of a 50-foot well in a secluded location. It is speculated that the men fell prey to a carjacking, which was then followed by a fatal assault. A local resident, along with his girlfriend and brother, have been taken into custody in relation to the case.
The detained individuals were found with methamphetamine, and one of them possessed a cell phone that belonged to one of the deceased. The victims are believed to have been camping at La Bocana, a well-known surfing spot approximately 130 miles south of San Diego, California.
Evidence gathered by law enforcement suggests that the victims tried to resist the robbery, potentially leading to their unfortunate demise. Deserted tents and a burnt white pick-up truck, similar to the one used by the victims, were found nearby.
While the Mexican authorities have not officially confirmed the identities of the deceased, relatives of the men identified the bodies. The two brothers were Australians – Callum Robinson, 33, was a former lacrosse player, and his brother Jake, 30, was about to start a new job in Australia. The American, Jack Carter Rhoad, was 30 years old.
The inquiry is ongoing, with local authorities collaborating with international bodies, including the FBI. Another body retrieved from the well is believed to be a rancher who had been reported missing earlier.
The tragic loss of the three friends has left their families grieving, with outpouring of tributes from around the world. The case is under the scrutiny of the surfing community, as well as officials from the US and Australia. This tragic incident underscores the potential hazards that may be faced while traveling abroad.
