Three Men Sentenced to 158 Years for 2024 Baja Surfer Murders
Three Baja men sentenced to 158 years for 2024 surfer murders near Ensenada.
Why it matters: The case exposes ongoing safety concerns for tourists in Baja California and highlights challenges in cross-border law enforcement between Mexico and the US.
- Sentencing date: October 16, 2026, in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
- Victims: Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and American Carter Redd Rhoad.
- Convicted: Jesús Gerardo García (“El Kekas”), Irineo Francisco “N,” and Ángel Jesús “N,” each sentenced to over 158 years.
- Victims’ bodies found May 3, 2024, in a 15-meter deep well near Punta San José, Baja California.
On October 16, 2026, a judge in Ensenada, Baja California, sentenced three men to over 158 years each in prison for the killings of surfers in April 2024. The convicted are Jesús Gerardo García, also known as “El Kekas,” Irineo Francisco “N,” and Ángel Jesús “N.”
The victims were Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their friend Carter Redd Rhoad, an American citizen. They were attacked on April 27 while camping near Punta San José. Their bodies were found on May 3 in a 15-meter deep well close to Ensenada.
Authorities reported that the attackers intended to steal tires from the victims’ truck and used lethal force when the surfers resisted. The three men were found guilty of murder, violent robbery, and vehicle theft, according to court records published by El Universal.
A fourth individual, Ary Gisell Silva Raya, former partner of García, previously pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and vehicle theft. She received a 20-year sentence in November 2025.
Antonio Otañez, president of the Baja California surfing association, said the crime damaged regional tourism and raised safety concerns among the surfing community. This incident has affected the area's reputation as a safe destination.
The case also underscores challenges in criminal justice cooperation between Mexico and the United States, as it involves victims from multiple countries and took place near an international border. Officials hailed the prosecution and sentencing as significant steps toward cross-border coordination.
By the numbers:
- 158 years — prison sentence per convicted defendant
- 3 victims — surfers killed, two Australians and one American
- 15 meters — depth of the well where bodies were found
Yes, but: Although lengthy sentences were handed down, experts note that cross-border law enforcement cooperation still faces hurdles that may affect future cases.
What's next: Authorities plan to enhance security measures around tourist areas in Baja California to prevent similar crimes.