SAN DIEGO — Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson loved to surf in Ocean Beach, so Tuesday morning their parents chose a spot near the OB Pier to talk about their two sons who, along with friend Carter Rhoad, were murdered last week while on a surfing trip in Mexico.
“Our hearts are broken and the world has become a darker place for us,” said Debra Robinson as she and her husband, Martin, fought back tears and talked about the horrific murders. “We also mourn the loss of Carter Rhoad, a close friend. They were young men enjoying their passion of surfing together.”
It happened last week near Ensenada. The three men disappeared. A few days later, their bodies were discovered in a well.
Mexican authorities believe thieves tried to steal parts from the surfer's truck and, when the friends fought back, they were killed. At the time of his murder, Callum was living in Ocean Beach.
“Callum was a loveable, larger than life character and considered the United States his second home,” his mom said. “His brother, Jake, was a happy, gentle and compassionate soul who was pursuing a career in medicine.”
Carter's family and friends have not responded to requests for an interview, but according to an online wedding registry, he was engaged to be married this summer in Columbus, Ohio.
A friend also set up a GoFundMe to help his fiancé, to create a scholarship fund in Carter's name and to make donations to charities he felt passionate about.
The Robinsons said they have received a lot of support from the community, and it means a lot to them.
“We have been overwhelmed with an outpouring of emotions and support that we have received for Callum and Jake,” Debra said. “We know that they were truly loved and impacted many people's lives.”
Mexican authorities have arrested three people they say are connected to the murders, including the alleged gunman, but they are still looking for more suspects.
For Callum and Jake's parents, what's important now is getting their remains back to Australia.
“Now it's time to bring them home to family and friends and the ocean waves in Australia,” their mom said. “Please live bigger, shine brighter, and love harder in their memory.”
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