Dream Surf Trip Turns Nightmare, 3 Friends Found Dead
You might imagine a perfect getaway: sun, surf, and the thrill of adventure with close friends. That was the plan for Jake Robinson, his brother Callum, and their friend Carter Rhoad when they set off on in April 2024 for a surfing and camping trip along the stunning coast of Baja California, Mexico. But what was meant to be a dream vacation turned into a chilling tragedy that shocked families and travelers alike.
The Last Days of a Dream
Jake Robinson, 30, from Victoria, Australia, his brother Callum, 33, of San Diego, and their friend Carter, also 30 and from San Diego, were last seen on April 27, 2024, enjoying the waves and camping near Punta San José, south of Ensenada. Callum had even shared a snapshot on Instagram of their white pickup truck loaded with gear, captioning it, "...and it begins," as reported by PEOPLE, capturing the excitement of their journey.
The trio was reported missing after failing to return to their Airbnb, sparking a search that ended in horror. On May 2, 2024, their bodies were reportedly discovered at the bottom of a 50-foot well, each bearing fatal gunshot wounds to the head. The grim discovery sent shockwaves through their families and communities on both sides of the border.
The Crime and the Conviction
The investigation revealed a brutal carjacking and execution-style killing. Ari Gisell Silva Raya, 23, a Mexican woman, pleaded guilty on November 21, 2025, to instigating the crime. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison — 14 years for robbery of a vehicle with violence and an additional six years for robbery with violence — and fined approximately $4,563.
Prosecutors described how Ari Gisell had noticed the surfers' vehicle and expressed interest in its tires, instructing her then-boyfriend, Jesús Gerardo García Cota, known as "El Kekas," to "bring [her] a good phone and good tires for [her] pickup truck," as reported by PEOPLE. Later that night, Jesús Gerardo, his brother Irineo Francisco García Montaño, and a third man, Ángel Jesús León Aguilera, allegedly followed the surfers to their campsite, robbed them, and shot them dead before disposing of their bodies in the well.
While Ari Gisell has been sentenced, the three men accused of the murders remain in custody, awaiting trial. They have reportedly pleaded not guilty, and their trial date has yet to be set. PEOPLE reports that the body of a fourth man was also found in the well, but authorities have said that death is unrelated to the triple homicide.
A Family's Grief and a Community's Loss
The emotional toll on the victims' families is profound. Through video links to the Mexican courtroom, the Robinsons' parents expressed their heartbreak. "The silence in our home is deafening," said Debra Robinson, the mother of Callum and Jake, as reported by PEOPLE. She continued, "There are no words for the emptiness, the weight of their absence. The grief is constant — it lives inside us now." The families are now mourning the futures stolen from her sons — the weddings, children, and milestones they will never experience.
Carter Rhoad's widow shared how he was her safety and love, and his loss has turned her life into a "nightmare," as reported by PEOPLE. His mother, who also attended the hearing virtually, spoke of a dream in which her son urged her to forgive Ari Gisell, though she admitted she has not yet found it in her heart to do so, as reported by ABC.net.
What This Case Reveals About Travel Risks
For those of you planning trips, especially to regions known for their natural beauty but also complex security challenges, this case is a sobering reminder. Baja California, while a popular destination, has areas with high cartel activity and violent crime. Although prosecutors do not believe this particular crime was linked to organized crime, the presence of cartel influence in the region is well documented, with some suspects reportedly having ties to the notorious Sinaloa cartel.
Travelers should be vigilant, especially when venturing off the beaten path. The allure of remote beaches and camping spots can come with risks that are not always visible until it's too late. Staying informed about local conditions, traveling in groups, and maintaining communication with trusted contacts can be lifesaving precautions.
Justice and the Long Road Ahead
The sentencing of Ari Gisell marks a step toward justice, but the full story is far from over. The other accused men face potential sentences exceeding 200 years if convicted, reflecting the severity of the crime. Their trials will be closely watched, not only by the families but by communities concerned about safety and justice in cross-border cases.
This case also highlights the challenges of international cooperation in criminal investigations and the importance of legal systems that can hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of nationality. For older adults and seasoned travelers, it underscores the need to balance adventure with caution and to respect the complexities of the places you visit.
References: It Was Supposed to Be a Dream Surfing Trip. Then 3 Friends Wound Up Murdered and Thrown Down a Well | Mexican woman jailed in connection with killings of Australian surfers Jake and Callum Robinson | Woman jailed for 20 years over murder of Australian surfer brothers in Mexico
