Mexican authorities have revealed Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson appear to have been killed in a robbery gone wrong.
Baja California state Attorney-General Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez said a murder investigation is under way after three bodies believed to be the brothers and their American friend were found down a 15-metre deep well.
“When they tried to get the vehicle, the victims opposed the robbery, the robbers were armed with a firearm and apparently shot the victims,” she told 7News.
Shell casings were found at the campsite were the trio was last seen, a surfing spot known as La Bocana at Santo Tomas, local media reported.
Ms Ramirez described the incident as opportunistic, and ruled out links with organised crime.
Three people have been charged after four bodies were found during a search for two brothers presumed dead after they went missing on a surfing trip in Mexico almost a week ago.
Perth brothers Callum, 33, and Jake, 30, along with their friend Jack Rhoad, 30, were last known to have been in Rosarita, in the Baja California region.
The bodies of four people have reportedly been found by Mexican authorities on a cliff by the ocean, about 2km away from what is believed to be the men’s campsite.
Baja California prosecutors have since confirmed three people — two brothers, and a 23-year-old woman — who were arrested earlier this week have now been charged with a crime equivalent to kidnapping on Friday.
It was unclear if they might face more charges.
Local media also reported that Mexican police arrested a woman who had a phone belonging to one of the brothers.
Baja California’s chief prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez said investigations were still ongoing as authorities tried to identify whether the brothers had been found.
“I’m saying it’s a very, very high probability that it is them,” Ms Ramírez told 9News.
“They were in a state of decomposition.
“That is why we have to run the genetic tests.”
While the bodies are yet to be formally identified, Callum’s university team Stevenson University Lacrosse claimed in a social media post the pair had been killed.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear teammate and friend, Callum Robinson,” the club said.
“From his days leading us to victory on the field to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, Callum was a true inspiration to us all.”
The club said Callum had played a pivotal role in the team’s Division III National Championship in 2013, and had amassed “equally impressive academic achievements”.
“But, beyond his accolades, Callum will be remembered for his infectious spirit and larger-than-life personality,” the club said.
“With his beautiful long hair and charming smile, he truly embodied the nickname ‘big koala’ — warm, friendly, and always there to lend a helping hand.
“Though he may be gone, Callum’s legacy will live on in our hearts forever.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest easy, Callum. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
News of the young man’s apparent death, which is yet to be confirmed, was widely shared by the club, its members, and many more.
In an Instagram post, his teammate Will Manny thanked Callum for “showing everyone how to smile big, laugh hard and enjoy life:
“Callum Robinson, Jake Robinson and Jack Rhoad – Rest in Peace – and to your families, the lacrosse community is here for you,” he said.
Brett Hiken described the young player as “one of one” who he said he was lucky to have “gotten to love and know”.
“You made everyone feel like family and everyone was your best friend,” he said.
“Our best memories were always with you. Truth is, everyone wanted to be like you but no one was even on the same planet.
“It was a honour to get be your friend. The room turned every time you entered without even opening your mouth.
“Love you like the brother you are and most importantly thank you. Everyone gets to live, but man not everyone truly lives. You certainly lived.”
News broke early on Saturday local time that Mexican authorities had reportedly discovered the bodies of three people.
A later report by the San Diego Union-Tribune indicated a fourth set of remains were found in a well more than 15m deep, next to the cliff at Punta San José.
Local authorities also confirmed the discovery of tents the men are believed to have been staying in, along with traces of blood and “dental parts”.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman also confirmed the Australian embassy in Mexico was working closely with the AFP and local police.
“DFAT recognises this is a very distressing time for the family and is in regular contact with them to provide support,” they said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
The revelations come as the pair’s parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, also make the journey to the area where the young brothers were last seen.
The couple said Callum had been living in the US to follow his dream of becoming a professional lacrosse player.
“He is widely known in the US as the Big Koala,” they said.
“We think of him as our big, soft, friendly giant.”
Jake only left Australia two weeks ago to visit his brother.
“It was a trip of a lifetime to see his brother, before shortly taking up a new position at Geelong Hospital in Victoria,” the parents said.
“Callum and Jake are beautiful human beings. We love them so much and this breaks our heart.”
They said Jake had worked in regional hospitals across Australia.
Jake and Callum had attended the Coachella music festival before going to Mexico to surf.
“Jake is such a gentle soul and would want no harm,” his parents said.
“Our only comfort right now is that they were together doing something they passionately love.
“We ask people to keep them in their thoughts and prayers and to continue to respect our privacy at this distressing time.”
Earlier on Friday, the Baja California Attorney-General Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez said three Mexicans had been arrested.
A ute believed to have been used by the brothers was found south of Ensenada.
Traces of blood were also reportedly found in the tents.
“A working team is at the site where they were last seen, where tents and other evidence was found that could be linked to these three people we have under investigation,” Ms Ramirez said.
“There is a lot of important information that we can’t make public. We do not know what condition they are in.
“All lines of investigation are open at this time. We cannot rule anything out until we find them.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they were continuing to provide consular assistance to the family.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the brothers’ disappearance as “a really concerning situation”.
“Our embassy in Mexico is working with local authorities as well to try to ascertain what has happened here,” he told Seven’s Sunrise program on Friday.
“We certainly hope that these brothers are found safely but there is real concern about the fact that they’ve gone missing.
“Their mother is obviously very distressed about this and we just hope for a positive outcome.”
While popular for surfing, Baja California has plagued by gang violence, including the infamous Tijuana cartel.
– With NCA newswire