Tragedy at a Mexican surfing spot
A Mexican court has sentenced 23-year-old Ary Gisell Silva to 20 years in prison for her role in the April 2024 killing of Australian brothers Jake Robinson (31) and Callum Robinson (33), together with their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad (30) in Baja California. The victims, all visiting the region for surfing and camping, were found shot dead in a deep well after being robbed.
The court’s findings and her involvement
Prosecutors allege that Ary Gisell Silva instigated the attack: she reportedly told her then-boyfriend, Jesús Gerardo, that she wanted “a good phone and good tyres for my pickup truck” — referencing the Australians’ vehicle. Investigators say this was part of planning to target the international visitors, who were camping near Punta San Jose. In court she admitted her role in the robbery scheme and the subsequent deaths and expressed remorse for the families’ loss.
The sentence and legal aftermath
Per the ruling, Silva will serve 20 years behind bars for her involvement in the crime. The main perpetrators — Jesús Gerardo and two other men — still face trial and could receive significantly longer sentences, with prosecutors seeking more than 200 years for each of the men. Authorities say while some of the accused have links to Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa Cartel, the murders are not believed to have been cartel-ordered. Rather, they were opportunistic criminal acts against foreign tourists.
Impact on families and international context
The Robinson brothers were remembered as warm, adventurous and beloved members of their community. Their deaths have had a profound impact on their family and friends — and raised concerns in Australia about tourist safety abroad. “We live with their absence,” said their mother via video link during the hearing. The fact that Australians were killed while travelling abroad has also placed additional scrutiny on how foreign jurisdictions handle crimes involving international victims, and how families seek justice across borders.
Looking ahead
While Silva’s sentence brings a degree of closure, the trial of the other accused men remains pending — and the full story of how the crime was orchestrated is still unfolding. Families and advocacy groups continue to call for greater protections for Australians travelling overseas and better collaboration between governments when crimes involve foreign nationals. The case may also influence how travel insurance, safety advisories and law enforcement coordination evolve for international tourists in high-risk regions.
Why this case matters
- It underscores the risks that even well-prepared travellers can face in remote or less-regulated environments.
- It shows the legal complexity when crimes cross international borders — multiple jurisdictions, different legal systems, and the challenge of accountability.
- It highlights the ripple effect on communities: not just the victims, but their families, friends and home countries.
Final thought
The sentencing of Ary Gisell Silva offers some measure of justice after a shocking crime that ended three lives and devastated multiple families. But the path to full resolution remains ahead. For the family of Jake and Callum Robinson, and for with friends Mr Rhoad left behind, there is still pain, unanswered questions and the long road of reckoning.
Europe-based journalist with 10 years of experience covering Australian politics, sport and breaking news.
