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Bodies of Australian brothers identified in Mexico

Anna McGuinness
Anna Houlahan
Updated May 6 2024 - 1:58pm, first published May 3 2024 - 8:48am

Mexican authorities have identified three bodies found on Baja Peninsula as two Australian brothers and their American friend who went missing on a surf trip.

Callum, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, were allegedly shot while resisting a robbery of their ute before their bodies were dumped in a cliff-top well, Mexican authorities said.

Baja California state prosecutors said the relatives had viewed the corpses and recognized them as their loved ones, treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed

Authorities allege the brothers and their friend, American citizen Jack Carter Rhoad, were killed trying to stop thieves from stealing their tyres while the surfing trio were camping near a remote beach.

They were allegedly each shot in the head with a single bullet before their bodies were dumped in the 15-metre deep well.

Perth siblings Jake and Callum Robinson, both in their 30s, were allegedly shot in the head while resisting a robbery of their ute. (AAP Image/Supplied)
Perth siblings Jake and Callum Robinson, both in their 30s, were allegedly shot in the head while resisting a robbery of their ute. (AAP Image/Supplied)

Police have arrested three people over the alleged murders, Jess Gerardo Garcia Cota, who uses the alias El Kekas, his girlfriend Ari Gisel Garcia Cota and brother Christian Alejandro Garcia.

They have been charged with kidnapping as police continue their investigation.

A fourth body, that is being identified, was also found in the well but authorities have said the case is unrelated to the Robinsons and Mr Rhoad.

Blood stains found at campsite

The Prosecutor's Office said the brothers' campsite in La Bocana Santo Tomas was searched and evidence including tent rods, a gun casing, plastic gallon bottles, blood stains and drag marks were found.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed that the Perth brothers' bodies had been identified by their parents, who travelled to Mexico after their disappearance.

"We can only imagine what this ordeal has been like for them and for the loved ones of Callum and Jake," he said.

Their mother raised the alarm after they failed to check-in to their accommodation as planned in the Mexican resort town of Rosarito.

WATCH: Mexican authorities have arrested three people in connection to the alleged murder of two Australian brothers, Jake and Callum Robinson, who were on a surf trip with an American friend.

Debra Robinson said she had not heard from her sons since April 27 and had particular concerns for Callum as a type one diabetic.

Burnt-out ute found

Ms Robinson said the trio were travelling in a white Chevrolet Colorado ute in the Ensenada area of Mexico's Baja California region in a post on Facebook.

The ute was found burnt-out near the remote seaside area where the men's tents and ute were found on May 2.

A burnt-out ute found in the search for the missing brothers. (AAP Image/Supplied 7 news)
A burnt-out ute found in the search for the missing brothers. (AAP Image/Supplied 7 news)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Sunrise on May 3 it was a "really concerning situation".

"Our embassy in Mexico is working with local authorities as well to try to ascertain what has happened here," he said.

With Australian Associated Press

Anna McGuinness

Anna McGuinness

Breaking News National Journalist

Anna Houlahan

Anna Houlahan

Journalist

Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au