Accused killers reject plea deal in case of Australian brothers murdered in Mexico

3 weeks ago 7

Three of the four people charged over the deaths of Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad have rejected a plea deal put forward by the prosecution, forcing the matter to go to trial.

The Robinson brothers, from Perth’s northern suburbs, were killed while camping on the Baja California peninsula while they were on a surfing trip in Mexico in April last year.

Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson (inset) are missing on a surf trip in Mexico.

The brothers and Rhoad were allegedly targeted by criminals in an opportunistic robbery, and were killed when they resisted.

Ari Giselle, Angel Jesus, Irineo Francisco and Jesus Gerardo – also known as “El Kekas” – were all charged in relation to the men’s deaths, facing a number of different charges ranging in seriousness.

The case was heard in the Ensenada court on November 13 local time (Friday morning AEDT), where the details of the plea deal were offered.

El Kekas was offered 52 years jail, while Jesus and Francisco were offered 47 years each.

Giselle – who is not accused of murder but faces charges relating to possessing a mobile phone believed to have been stolen from Rhoad – was offered a 20-year plea deal on robbery charges.

All four rejected the pleas, which means the matter will go to trial.

The three accused of murder could face a total of 210 years in prison if convicted at trial, and an extra 168 for El Kekas due to an extra charge of forced disappearance.

Giselle faces a separate hearing on November 19.

Jake and Callum Robinson were killed while on a surfing trip in Mexico. They are pictured with their parents Martin and Debra Robinson.

Following the hearing, there were fresh revelations from prosecutors they were searching for a fifth person believed to have been involved in the killing, with Nine News reporting authorities only have a nickname of the suspect, and are investigating further.

Jake and Callum’s parents Debra and Martin Robinson appeared via video link to watch the proceedings, and were joined by officials from the Australian embassy in Mexico.

The parents and widow of Carter Rhoad were also in attendance.

The trial will likely begin next year.

The news of the plea deal rejection comes as the families of those impacted by the murders continue to celebrate their lives through the CJR Foundation.

The group often holds beach clean-ups around Western Australia remembering the two brothers, who were avid outdoorsmen and surfers, and promotes diabetes awareness in honour of Callum.

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