Arabic version: بدء محاكمة في المكسيك بشأن مقتل الأخوين روبنسون

According to ABC News, a trial has begun in Ensenada, Mexico, for three men accused of murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend, Jack Carter Rhoad, in April 2024. Prosecutors told the court that witnesses had been intimidated by people connected to the accused.

Jesús Gerardo, known as “El Kekas”, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús face charges including aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery and grand theft auto. A judge ordered the defendants removed from the small courtroom while witnesses gave evidence. The judge-only trial is expected to run for more than four weeks.

Debra and Martin Robinson travelled from Perth to attend the proceedings and were seated a couple of metres from the accused as the trial began. In a statement before the hearing, they said they wanted the men accused of murdering their sons to see “in person, the human consequences of what happened”. Both parents are expected to address the court, although Ms Robinson did not give testimony after being sworn in on the first day.

Prosecutors outlined a case consistent with a robbery gone wrong, while defence teams argued there was insufficient evidence to prove that theory. Investigators previously said the three victims were executed with gunshots to the head and their bodies were dumped in a well. The brothers’ burnt-out car was found on a ranch, while their campsite had also been burnt out.

The first witness, whose name was withheld, told the court he heard a gunshot and voices “yelling and fighting” after returning to the beach with El Kekas on April 27. He said he later hid before being warned not to speak about the night. Prosecutors are seeking 210-year sentences for each accused. Dozens more witnesses are expected, and the trial is due to resume at 1pm local time.