Two Australian brothers who were allegedly murdered with their friend in Mexico have been buried on home soil in an emotional funeral service.
Jake and Callum Robinson, 30 and 32, and their American friend Jack Rhoad, 30, went missing during a surfing trip in Mexico’s Baja California province in April.
The desperate manhunt made headlines around the world until the grim discovery of their bodies at the bottom of a 50-foot-deep well near their camp.
Local police claim they were shot after resisting the theft of their truck.
On Saturday, hundreds of relatives and relatives gathered for a private service at Sacred Heart College in Sorrento, northwest Perth, where the brothers graduated from school.
Brothers Jake and Callum Robinson (pictured), 30 and 32, and their American partner Jack Rhoad, 30, went missing six weeks ago during a surfing trip in Mexico’s Baja California province
Their devastated parents, Debra and Martin Robinson (pictured), fought through tears to say goodbye to them and the ‘pure love’ they radiated in their short lives
Their devastated parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, fought through tears to say goodbye to them and the “pure love” they radiated in their short lives.
“They loved life and followed their dreams,” Mrs. Robinson said.
“They were intelligent, respectful men who had so much more to offer the world.”
The cover of the memorial brochure featured a photo of the two brothers smiling with their arms around each other, accompanied by the words: “live bigger, shine brighter, love harder.”
Callum was an accomplished lacrosse player who represented Australia and played professionally in the US.
Meanwhile, Jake was a doctor about to start a new job at a hospital in Geelong.
“We are not here to dwell on the where or how or to try to understand the why of their passing, but instead to say goodbye to two young men and hopefully begin the healing process for all Mrs Robinson added.
“We love that Jake was curious, friendly and fun – and never judgmental.
‘Callum has always made a conscious decision to wake up and be positive every day. He saw so much joy in life.
“We love that they loved every dog in the world.”
The cover of the commemorative brochure featured a photo of the two brothers smiling with their arms around each other, accompanied by the words: ‘live bigger, shine brighter, love harder’ (photo)
They were murdered together with their friend, American Jack Carter Rhoad (photo)
Ms. Robinson urged attendees to “find your own way to honor them in the way you live.”
“We have cried many tears and we will cry many more… We miss you beyond words,” she said.
“Callum and Jakey, boy, please shine on us.”
The heartbroken parents were forced to fly to Mexico to identify their son’s bodies after they were discovered in the well.
Three Mexican nationals have been arrested in connection with their deaths; the alleged leader Jesús Gerardo, his brother Cristian Alejandro and Gerardo’s 23-year-old girlfriend Ari Gisel.
In an Ensenada court, prosecutors alleged that Jesus drove his girlfriend’s car to the area where the Robinsons and Mr. Rhoad were camping and later ambushed the trio.
Gisel was later stopped by police on May 1 during a routine patrol in Ensenada when she allegedly threw a bag containing 100 grams of meth on the ground and tried to run away. Telediario reported.
An iPhone belonging to Mr Rhoad was also reportedly found during an inspection of the vehicle.
The two men were arrested shortly afterwards.
Only Gerardo has been charged with forcible kidnapping over the murders. He has yet to enter pleas, but it is expected his charges will be upgraded to murder.
He will remain in custody until November, when he will appear in court.
The remains were found in a pit (photo) more than 15 meters deep next to a cliff at Punta San José in Santo Tomás, in the municipality of Ensenada.