It has been verified by officials that three visitors discovered deceased in Mexico were fatally shot in the skull and then disposed of in a well.
Australian siblings Jake and Callum Robinson, aged 30 and 33, and their American mate Jack Carter Rhoad, aged 30, went missing on 27 April while on a surfing expedition in Ensenada.
After journeying to Mexico to provide support to the authorities, family members of the three individuals identified the corpses on Sunday, as stated by a state prosecutor.
Officials suspect the men were ambushed during an attempt to prevent the theft of their pickup truck.
- Writer, James Gregory and Tiffanie Turnbull
- Role, BBC News
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The assailants had an interest in the vehicle’s tires and shot the tourists when they resisted, suggested Maria Andrade, the Baja California state prosecutor.
Their remains were discovered in a well 4m (15ft) deep about 6km (4 miles) from the scene of the attack in Santo Tomás on Friday.
Discarded tents, a scorched white pickup truck, and a phone associated with the absent surfers were located in close proximity.
A fourth body was found in the well but had been there longer and was unrelated to the case, stated officials.
Two men and a woman have been apprehended on suspicion of direct or indirect participation in the assault. One man is facing charges of “forced disappearance”.
The FBI previously announced its investigation into the matter and its collaboration with global partners.
Baja California is recognized as one of the most aggressive states in Mexico, as local drug factions vie for territory.
However, the Ensenada region, famed for its surfing conditions and situated approximately 120km (75 miles) from the US-Mexico border, is deemed more secure and has long attracted vacationers from California.
The parents of the siblings, Deborah and Martin Robinson, remarked that Callum had been residing in the US, pursuing his dream of a career as a professional lacrosse player.
Jake was on “the trip of lifetime” to visit him before commencing a new position as a physician in Victoria, as recounted on Friday.
“Callum and Jake are beautiful human beings. We love them so much and this breaks our heart.”
Associates of the brothers have inundated social media with commendations.
Callum’s teammates at Stevenson University Lacrosse club articulated that the athlete possessed a larger-than-life persona.
“With his striking lengthy locks and affable grin, he truly exemplified the moniker ‘big koala’ – cordial, genial, and ever ready to extend a helping hand,” a declaration from the club conveyed.
His girlfriend, Emily Horwath, expressed that her heart was “shattered into a million pieces”.
“I don’t have the words right now… I will love you forever,” she inscribed in an entry on Instagram, accompanied by snapshots of the couple.
Carter Rhoad’s social media profiles showcased cheerful snapshots of his engagement to his partner less than a year ago.
An initiative launched by his family’s friends articulated that he and the Robinson siblings had “brought immeasurable joy, love, and kindness” to the world.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers mentioned that the country’s thoughts were with the Robinson family.
“It has been an absolutely horrendous, absolutely horrific ordeal and our thoughts are with all of them today,” he vocalized at a press briefing on Monday.
The killings have instigated fear and ire in the Ensenada locality.
Numerous demonstrators paraded through the city on Sunday, carrying surfboards adorned with phrases inscribed in Spanish.
“They only wanted to surf – we demand safe beaches,” one individual expressed. “Australia we are with you,” another person stated.
Subsequently, a group of surfers conducted a “paddle-out” ceremony, an aquatic vigil to commemorate the trio.
Source: www.bbc.com