SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The parents of two Australian surfers who were found dead in Baja California, Mexico last week spoke publicly Tuesday, sharing more personal statements about their two sons.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Callum and Jake have been murdered,” said Debra Robinson, the mother of Jake and Callum Robinson. “Our hearts are broken and the world has become a darker place for us.”
According to previous reports, Jake and Callum were on a surfing trip along the coast south of the city of Ensenada with their friend, a San Diego resident named Jack Carter Rhoad, when they went missing.
On Friday, the Baja California Attorney General’s Office confirmed three bodies were found in La Bocana, about 130 miles south of San Diego.
“Now it’s time to bring them back home to family and friends and the ocean waves of Australia,” Robinson said Tuesday.
She described Callum as a “loveable, larger-than-life character” who played professional lacrosse in the Premier Lacrosse League. Meanwhile, his brother Jake was a “happy, gentle and compassionate soul” pursuing a career in medicine.
“We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of emotions and support that we have received for Callum and Jake,” Robinson continued. “We know that they were truly loved and impacted many people’s lives.”
The pair’s father, Martin Robinson, expressed gratitude for support from government agencies, Rachel Moseley, the Australian ambassador to Mexico, as well as their friends and families in both the U.S. and Australia.
According to Baja California Attorney General Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez, the last time the men’s families heard from them was Saturday, April 27, but they didn’t notify police until a few days later, when the men didn’t show up at their Airbnb.
Authorities said thieves apparently killed them after an attempt to steal their truck for its tires. Their bodies, which were positively identified by relatives, were later found about 50 feet deep in a remote well, according to Baja California state prosecutors.
On Sunday night, more than a hundred family members and friends gathered at the soccer field at Point Loma Nazarene University for a candlelight vigil in honor of the three men.
GoFundMe fundraisers have been set up for Rhoad’s memorial services, and to offer support for Callum and Jake’s family.
According to the Baja California Attorney General’s Office, Jesus Gerardo ‘N.’ was taken into custody in connection to the incident. His nickname was reported to be “El Kekas.” His last name was not made public.
Another man and a woman remained in custody facing drug possession charges. Two other suspects are being sought in connection with the killings.