The parents of two brothers from Perth are making the journey to Mexico to attend the trial of the men charged with killing their sons during a surfing trip in April 2024. The decision to be present in court marks a painful but deliberate step for the family, who say they are seeking truth, justice and to represent the voices of those who loved Jake and Callum Robinson.
What is being tried
Three men, who may be identified only by their given names under Mexican reporting rules — Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús — face charges of aggravated homicide in connection with the deaths of the two brothers and their American friend, Carter Rhoad. The trial is due to open in Ensenada, Baja California.
The victims were travelling together after meeting in California and had gone to Mexico to camp and surf along the Pacific coast. The brothers, both with connections to Perth, were reported to have been enjoying an extended trip when they were killed in April 2024.
Family statement and motive for attending
The parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, have posted publicly that attending the trial is not an act of retribution but a necessary measure to understand the circumstances of their sons' deaths and to stand for everyone who loved them. They described the decision as "incredibly important and overwhelmingly difficult."
"This is not about revenge. It is about truth, justice and love."
In their post the Robinsons emphasised that being in the courtroom is one of the last things they can do for Jake and Callum, and that they intend to carry their sons' names and stories into the proceedings. They said they wanted to hear the truth and to be the voices for their sons, who can no longer speak for themselves.
Local ties and community impact
Both brothers had links to Perth. Jake, aged 31, was a doctor from Perth; Callum, aged 32, had lived in the United States for around 12 years, where he played lacrosse before travelling. Their deaths prompted an outpouring of grief from friends and family at home, and the parents’ decision to attend the trial will be followed closely by the Perth community.
The case has drawn international attention because the victims were tourists and because of the gravity of the charges. For Perth residents and those who knew the family, the trial represents an opportunity for official answers about an episode that has caused sustained public sorrow.
Key facts
- Victims: Jake Robinson (31), Callum Robinson (32) and Carter Rhoad (American friend).
- Location of incident: Baja California, Mexico (Pacific coast).
- Charges: Three men — Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús — charged with aggravated homicide.
- Trial location: Ensenada, trial beginning this week.
| Victim | Age / Connection |
|---|---|
| Jake Robinson | 31 — doctor from Perth |
| Callum Robinson | 32 — lived in the US for 12 years; from Perth |
| Carter Rhoad | American friend (age not specified in statement) |
The family have been explicit that their presence is primarily to seek clarification of the facts and to ensure the victims are remembered for who they were, not solely for the way they died. They have said they will carry their sons' love and stories into the courtroom and that their attendance is intended to represent the wider circle of family and friends affected by the tragedy.
As proceedings begin in Ensenada this week, the outcome will be watched in Perth where the community continues to grieve and to support the Robinson family. The trial offers the possibility of formal findings on what happened during the trip and may provide some measure of closure for the bereaved.
WE NEWS will continue to follow developments and report verified updates as the trial progresses.
