Mexico Man Suspected of Murdering Surfers Identified
Mexican authorities have identified a man suspected of three murdered surfers, including two Australian brothers and an American, near Ensenada, Mexico.
The suspect, a Mexico man, Jesus Gerardo' N.', also known as "El Kekas," was apprehended in relation to the occurrence, according to the Baja California Attorney General's Office.
The victims, Jake and Callum Robinson from Australia and Jack Carter Rhoad from San Diego, were reported missing at the end of April while on a surfing trip near Ensenada.
Their disappearance prompted an investigation by the Baja California Attorney General's Office, Fox 5 reports.
On May 3, three bodies were discovered in La Bocana, approximately 130 miles south of San Diego, in a 50-foot well.
The victims were identified as the missing surfers by their relatives.
Mexican authorities suspect that the victims were killed during an attempted robbery of their truck for its tires.
Jesus Gerardo' N.' and two others have been arrested, while two additional suspects are being sought in connection with the killings.
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Court Testimony Reveals Chilling Details
In court proceedings in Ensenada, Mexico, a man's girlfriend, Ari Gisel Garcia Cota, testified that her boyfriend confessed to three murdered surfers during a botched robbery.
According to her testimony, Gerardo admitted to the murders upon his return from the victims' campsite, saying, "I f***ed up three gringos."
Garcia further revealed that Gerardo fitted her car with tires stolen from the victims' truck the morning after the alleged murders.
The truck was later found burned, with its wheels removed, according to Daily Mail.
While authorities initially believed the killings resulted from a robbery gone wrong, questions have been raised about the robbery theory.
Photographs of the burnt-out truck showed that the wheels were still on the vehicle when it was set on fire, casting doubt on the motive.
Criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro suggested that the killings might have stemmed from a robbery attempt that escalated due to resistance from the victims.
However, he acknowledged the possibility of other explanations and highlighted the lawless nature of the region.
Legal Proceedings and Future Hearings
Jesus Gerardo, facing charges related to the disappearance of the surfers, appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs.
His girlfriend's testimony implicated him in the killings, although he has not yet entered a plea.
The charges against him are expected to be upgraded to murder, ABC noted.
The court heard details of the prosecution's case, including evidence collected from the crime scene and witness testimony.
Despite ongoing investigations, questions remain about the circumstances of the killings and the involvement of other individuals.
A Mexico man, Jesus Gerardo, remains in custody until his next court hearing scheduled for November 8.
Meanwhile, authorities continue their efforts to uncover the full extent of the tragedy and bring justice to the murdered surfers and their families.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Ross Key
WATCH: Bodies of three surfers who went missing in Mexico identified, suspects in custody - From CBS Mornings