Murder of Surfers in Baja Linked to El Chapo Cartel

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 12:47 PM ET

Last April, three surfers were murdered in Baja. Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, along with American Jack Carter Rhoad, were camping and surfing in Ensenada when a carjacking went sideways, and they wound up dead. A major tragedy.

Since the senseless killings, a number of suspects have been arrested. They have been awaiting trial ever since. But now, according to new reports, the suspects have been tied to the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, the same criminal organization once run by Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, who is currently serving a life sentence in a maximum-security American prison.

Per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, court documents suggest that two of the accused murderers – Jesús Gerardo and Irineo Francisco – have ties to organized crime.

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The alleged culprits attempted to steal the tires off the three surfer’s truck. But when the Robinsons and Rhoad fought back, they were shot in the head. Their bodies were later dumped into a well. Initially, local prosecutors believed it was just a petty crime that took a deadly turn. Now, however, they think that the crime has all the hallmarks of cartel activity.

Lead prosecutor Miguel Ángel Gaxiola Rodríguez told the ABC: "What started as a minor crime — car theft — turned into forced disappearance and the murder of three people, in a way that closely resembles the behavior of organized crime groups.”

Since the ties to the Sinaloa Cartel have been revealed, Jesús Gerardo and Irineo Francisco have been transferred to a maximum-security prison – “El Hongo,” which has been featured on the show, Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons. They recently appeared in court via video, from the prison, and will return for a pre-trial hearing on July 25th.

Following the killings, a non-profit has been organized to honor the fallen surfers. Their mission?

“The foundation was formed after Callum (32), Jake (31) and their friend Carter Rhoad (33) were murdered while on a surfing and camping weekend in Mexico in 2024. The Foundation is a not-for-profit charity aiming to maximizing positive changes in the lives of others. We want to help people Live Bigger, Shine Brighter and Love Harder in their honor.”

Rest in peace Callum, Jake, and Carter.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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