Mexican authorities in Baja California have found tents and questioned three individuals in the case of two missing Australians and an American. María Elena Andrade Ramírez, the state’s chief prosecutor, did not clarify whether the three individuals were considered suspects or witnesses, but stated that they were connected to the case in some way. Evidence linked to the missing surfers was discovered along with the abandoned tents near Ensenada, sparking an investigation.
The three missing individuals were last believed to be surfing and camping along the Baja coast. Their failure to show up at their planned accommodations has raised concerns about their whereabouts. Andrade Ramírez mentioned that there is a lot of important information that cannot be disclosed to the public yet, and all lines of investigation are being pursued, including potential involvement of drug cartels in the region.
Debra Robinson, the mother of the missing Australians, posted an appeal on a local community Facebook page seeking assistance in finding her sons, Jake and Callum. Mentioning that Callum is diabetic, Robinson also identified the American with them as Jack Carter Rhoad, though U.S. Embassy in Mexico City had not confirmed his presence. The U.S. State Department acknowledged reports of an American missing in Baja, but provided limited information at the time.
Andrade Ramírez’s office has been coordinating with Australian and U.S. officials, but the delay in reporting the missing individuals has raised concerns about the possibility of finding them at this time. The prosecutor lamented the lost time in the investigation process, stating that valuable hours had passed since they were initially reported missing. The urgency of the situation was highlighted due to the uncertainty of their condition and whereabouts.
Notably, there have been past cases of violence against foreigners in Mexico, with two Australian surfers being killed in Sinaloa state in 2015 by highway bandits. The connection highlights the risks faced by those traveling in certain areas of Mexico, particularly along the Pacific coast. Authorities apprehended three suspects in the case of the Australian surfers’ deaths, signaling the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety for travelers in Mexico.
The search for the missing Australians and American in Baja California continues, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate and ensure their safety. The discovery of tents and linked evidence has provided critical leads for investigators as they work to unravel the mystery surrounding their disappearance. Cooperation between Mexican and foreign officials underscores the importance of international efforts in resolving cases involving missing individuals and ensuring justice for victims of crimes.
