A Pacific port city in Baja California, Mexico
Three surfers from Australia and the US were killed in Baja California during a suspected botched robbery. The accused face murder and aggravated robbery charges; prosecutors say the killings occurred during a failed attempt to steal a pickup truck. The trial has included witness intimidation concerns and the sentencing pushes past 200 years for each defendant.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers have presented closing arguments in a Baja California murder-and-robbery case over the killings of four men, including three surfers from Australia and the United States. A verdict is expected Friday. Victims’ families have urged exemplary punishment as testimony described the suspects’ roles and alleged actions.
A judge in Ensenada has found Jesús Gerardo García, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús guilty of killing Australians Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad during a 2024 trip to Baja California. The court has also convicted the men of armed robbery and carjacking after testimony described a violent, premeditated attack and the victims' bodies were recovered from a well.
A migrant boat with about 27 people has capsized roughly 140 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico. The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy have rescued 16 Mexican nationals; 11 remain missing. Surviving details include reports of shark bites and cold exposure. Investigations are underway by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Mexican authorities.