Mexican officials have confirmed that the bodies found with gunshot wounds in a well are those of three missing tourists, including an American.
The deceased were identified by the family members of American Jack Carter Rhoad and Australian siblings Jake and Callum Robinson, avoiding the need for DNA testing, as per the Baja California Attorney General’s office.
Following investigations, three Mexican nationals previously questioned about the tourists’ disappearance have been arrested under suspicion of kidnapping. One of the arrested is known by the alias “El Kekas,” real name Jesús Gerardo “N”.
The victims, who were friends, had disappeared while on a surfing and camping adventure near Ensenada, located approximately 60 miles south of Tijuana, last seen on April 29. Authorities believe they were murdered.
Baja California Attorney General Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez met with the victims’ families on Sunday, committing to a thorough investigation until justice is served.
A charred white pickup truck found on a ranch in Santo Tomas was identified as the vehicle used by the Australian and American tourists prior to their disappearance, according to police sources speaking to CNN.
Preliminary findings suggest the murders may have occurred during an attempted robbery of their vehicle.
Despite the area’s struggle with cartel violence, such incidents are rare in tourist-friendly locations like Ensenada.
The vehicle in question, featured in a post by Callum Robinson on Instagram just a week before they vanished, was located around 40 miles from where the bodies were found, further linking the events.
The confirmation of the deaths has devastated relatives who had traveled to Mexico in hope, as well as their friends in their home countries.
Jake Robinson, 30, had described the journey as “a trip of a lifetime,” which included attending the Coachella music festival shortly before entering Mexico, according to his parents who spoke to a CNN affiliate.
In a poignant statement, the Robinsons expressed their profound grief, describing their sons as “beautiful human beings” deeply loved by their family.
