Crime · updated 2h ago · 2 min read
Trial Begins in Ensenada for Jesús Gerardo “El Kekas,” Irineo Francisco, Ángel Jesús
Trial opened in Ensenada for three men accused of murdering three surfers. Victims: Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and American Jack Carter Rhoad.
Whether the trial has a jury versus being judge-only.
2 of 3 outlets skipped it: a new judge was appointed after the previous judge had an accident.
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ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation
“The judge-only trial is expected to run for more than four weeks.”Read the original ↗
Jurisdictional detail affects how blame and sentencing are decided.
Trial opens in Ensenada
The trial of three men accused of murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad began in the Mexican port city of Ensenada, where the killings occurred in April 2024.
“The trial of three men alleged to have murdered a pair of Australian brothers and their American friend in Mexico has begun.”
ABC News & Headlines reports that the judge-only trial is expected to run for more than four weeks, after a last-minute change in the presiding judge because the previous judge could not preside over the four-week trial due to an "accident".
The court heard that Jesús Gerardo, also known as "El Kekas", Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús face charges including aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery and grand theft auto, as the Robinsons’ parents Martin and Debra Robinson travelled from Perth to attend.
Excélsior says the hearing began this Monday in Ensenada and quotes Martin Robinson telling journalists, "Queremos averiguar qué pasó, queremos averiguar por qué" as he entered the court with his wife Debra.
Parents confront accused
Martin Robinson told reporters as he entered the court with Debra that, "It’s about representing our sons, being here for them," and he said, "We want to find out what happened. We want to find out why," as the Robinsons’ parents came face to face with the alleged killers.
Nine.au reports the parents said in a statement shared to Facebook that it was "incredibly important" to attend the court proceedings in person, adding, "This is not about revenge. It is about truth, justice and love."
ABC News & Headlines says the parents travelled from Perth to Ensenada for the trial of the three men, and it notes that three witnesses are due to give evidence today and dozens more are expected to be called during the trial.
The Guardian adds that the girlfriend of one of the accused was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year after admitting she had instigated the robbery, while the trial is being held in the border resort where the three were murdered.T
Sentences sought, evidence ahead
Prosecutors are seeking sentences of 200+ years for each of the accused, and ABC News & Headlines says an additional 168-year sentence is sought for Mr Gerardo, who is also charged with forced disappearance.
“A prosecutor has asked for 210-year jail sentences for each of the accused”
ABC News & Headlines reports that the ex-girlfriend of one of the men was the first to stand trial over the incident and was sentenced to 20 years in jail last year, while the alleged killers were accused of executing the victims with a gunshot to the head before dumping their bodies in a well.
Excélsior says the investigation points to a robbery in which the attackers surprised the surfers as they were camping in a remote beachside area, and it states the brothers were reported missing on 27 de abril de 2024 and their bodies were located on 3 de mayo.
The Guardian frames the case as a homicide trial in Baja California, saying the Australian brothers and their American friend were shot dead after being robbed, with their bodies found hidden on a cliff as the trial proceeds in Ensenada.T