Debra Robinson, the mother of two Australian surfers who were tragically killed in Mexico, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her sons at a beach in San Diego. Callum and Jake, along with American Jack Carter Rhoad, were allegedly killed by car thieves in Baja California in late April. Robinson emphasized that Callum considered the United States his second home, and Jake’s love for surfing was reflected in his choice to work in hospitals near surfing beaches. She urged everyone to live bigger, shine brighter, and love harder in their memory.
The bodies of the three men were found dumped in a well, with a fourth body discovered beneath them. The failure to catch and stop perpetrators of such crimes in Mexico has led to protests questioning the authorities’ attention to disappearances, especially those involving foreigners. Robinson expressed her gratitude to Australian officials and supporters but notably did not thank the local officials in Baja California who eventually found the bodies. She confirmed that her sons’ bodies or ashes would be taken back to Australia, where the ocean waits in remembrance of their adventurous spirits.
Three potential suspects have been identified in the case, with two being arrested for drug-related charges. A woman was found with one victim’s cellphone when apprehended, and the suspects remain under investigation for the killings. Another man was arrested on charges similar to kidnapping before the bodies were discovered. He was believed to have been directly involved in the killings and had a criminal history, with authorities suspecting the involvement of more individuals. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, highlighting the devastating loss felt by the Robinson family and the nation as a whole.
Albanese shared his own experience as a parent, recalling the worries he had when his son traveled to a music festival in Spain. He emphasized that traveling is a rite of passage for Australians and a way to grow as individuals, despite the concerns that come with it. The deaths of the Robinson brothers and American Jack Carter Rhoad are reminiscent of a similar incident in 2015 when two Australian surfers were killed by highway bandits in Sinaloa state. Three suspects were arrested in that case, underscoring the dangers faced by travelers in certain regions of Mexico. The tragic loss of young lives underscores the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance while traveling abroad.
