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According to Mexican authorities, the bodies of an American and two Australian surfers who were reported missing last week in northern Mexico have been identified by their families.
The remains of Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend, Carter Rhoad, were discovered at the bottom of a well in the state of Baja California. Each of them had been shot in the head, concluding a search that involved local authorities and the FBI.
The discovery was made in a rural area near the popular tourist destination of Ensenada. Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez, a state prosecutor, reported at a press briefing that the trio had been murdered following a robbery attempt involving their pickup truck. The burnt-out remains of the vehicle were found not far from where the bodies were located. According to Andrade Ramírez, “The victims’ relatives were able to identify them without the need for genetic tests.”
Australian officials have responded to the news of the deaths, expressing sadness and solidarity with the victims’ families. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers conveyed his condolences, stating, “I think the whole country’s heart goes out to all of their loved ones. It has been an absolutely horrendous, absolutely horrific ordeal and our thoughts are with all of them today.”
In connection with the killings, authorities have arrested three suspects—two men and a woman. One of the individuals has a known criminal background involving violence and robbery. The ongoing investigation has revealed that the crime scene, located approximately 50 feet deep in a well, also contained another body that was unrelated to this incident.