ENSENADA, Mexico – A burned-out white pickup truck found at a ranch in Santo Tomas is believed to be the same vehicle driven by two Australians and an American before they went missing. Mexican authorities confirmed on Sunday that three bodies discovered in Baja California had been murdered and are likely those of the missing surfers from the US and Australia.
State Attorney General Maria Elena Andrade announced that the bodies, showing gunshot wounds to the head, are thought to be of American Jack Carter Rhoad and Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson. The trio disappeared on April 29 while on a surfing and camping trip near the town of Ensenada, located about 60 miles south of Tijuana.
Family members of the surfers arrived in Tijuana over the weekend to identify the bodies. Andrade mentioned that although it is highly probable that the bodies are of the missing surfers, the formal identification process is still ongoing. She anticipated the identification to be finalized within a few hours.
Authorities also revealed that three Mexican citizens who were initially questioned regarding the case have been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping. The bodies were found on a cliff south of the Ensenada municipality, while the men’s burned-out pickup truck was discovered about 40 miles away from where the bodies were located.
In light of these developments, an activist group specializing in searching for missing individuals and security sources have been assisting in the investigation. The tragic event has brought sadness and concern to the local community and waves of shock throughout the surfing and outdoor enthusiast circles. The authorities are continuing their efforts to gather more information about the circumstances leading to the deaths of the three surfers.