Families of men killed on Mexico surf trip call for maximum sentences

The families of two Australian surfers and their American friend who were shot dead in Mexico have called for their accused killers to receive maximum prison sentences.

Jake and Callum Robinson, West Australian brothers, and their friend Carter Rhoad were killed during a surfing and camping trip in Baja California in April 2024.

Their bodies were found at the bottom of a well along Mexico's Pacific coast after they were reported missing.

Three men, Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco, and Ángel Jesús, are charged with aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery, and grand theft auto.

According to court documents, Irineo Francisco has links to the Sinaloa cartel.

Jesús Gerardo, also known as 'El Kekas', faces a possible sentence of 378 years.

Closing arguments in the trial were heard in an Ensenada courthouse on Thursday, local time.

The defence cast doubt on the credibility of the investigation into the trio's deaths, as well as the testimony prosecutors relied on.

The families of the victims then addressed the court ahead of a verdict due to be delivered on Friday.

A verdict in the case will be delivered tomorrow.