The bodies of American Jack Carter Rhoad and Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson have been found in a pit in a rugged hillside area in Baja California, near the town of Ensenada. The three men went missing while on a camping and surfing trip last week. A fourth body was also discovered nearby, although it is unclear if it is connected to the other three. Forensic tests will be conducted to confirm the identities of the bodies, and investigators are searching for additional evidence in the area.
Three people have been arrested and charged with a crime equivalent to kidnapping in connection with the case. Officials have not provided details on the exact nature of the suspects’ involvement in the investigation. The Baja California state prosecutor’s office is in contact with the FBI and the victims’ relatives through consular agencies. The chief state prosecutor stated that all lines of investigation are open and that it is too early to rule out any possibilities until the victims are found.
The missing Australians’ mother has made a public appeal for help in locating her sons, Callum, who is diabetic, and Jake, who is a doctor. The two reportedly went missing with American Jack Carter Rhoad, who lived in San Diego and was a member of Australia’s national lacrosse team. The State Department’s travel advisory lists Baja California under its “reconsider travel” category due to crime and kidnapping. This tragic incident is not the first involving foreign tourists in Mexico, as two Australian surfers were killed in 2015 by highway bandits in western Sinaloa state.
The bodies were discovered in a remote seaside area near where the missing men’s tents and a burnt-out pickup truck were found. The victims’ cause of death and any injuries they may have sustained are still unknown. The prosecutor’s office has said that there is important information that cannot be shared with the public at this time. Rescue teams were seen installing ropes to enter the pit where the bodies were found, and the area has been cordoned off by police. A navy boat was also visible in the nearby sea during the investigation.
The local prosecutor’s office has confirmed the discovery of four bodies in the search for the missing men. Officials are conducting forensic tests to confirm the identities of the bodies and are continuing to investigate the rugged area for additional evidence. Additional arrests have been made in connection with the case, although it is unclear how the suspects are involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working with international agencies and the victims’ relatives to gather more information. Despite the presence of drug cartels in the area, Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez, the chief state prosecutor, has stated that all possible leads are being pursued until the missing men are found.
