Hundreds attend paddle-out tribute for murdered Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson
Hundreds of mourners have held a ‘paddle’ to pay tribute to two Perth brothers murdered in Mexico.
Callum Robinson, 33, and his brother Jake, 30, were traveling with their American boyfriend Carter Rhoad, 30, in the Mexican state of Baja California in April when they failed to check into their accommodation.
A few days later, police arrived at their last known whereabouts and found a campsite with traces of blood.
The three bodies were later discovered in a well, with gunshot wounds to the head.
Saturday’s paddle-out came a week after a moving memorial service at Sacred Heart College in Sorrento, where the boys graduated from high school.
Two large portraits of the brothers sat on the sand of Sorrento beach on Saturday as surfers formed a ring in the water.
The boy’s father, Martin Robinson, said a few words in the center of the group as two wreaths were placed in the water.
Mourners have paid tribute to Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson who died during a surfing trip to Mexico
Two photos of the brothers (Callum on the left and Jake on the right) lay on the sand as hundreds gathered on the beach
The surfers and kayakers then headed back to shore, where they were hugged by dozens of others on the sand.
Australian Federal Police are working with Mexican authorities to bring justice for two murdered brothers.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian Embassy in Mexico would continue to work with federal police and local authorities.
“I am heartbroken for Jake and Callum’s parents and thinking of them at this incredibly difficult time,” she told AAP.
The parents of the slain Australians, Debra and Martin Robinson, said the world had become a darker place since then and were preparing to take their sons’ bodies home.
Brothers Jake and Callum Robinson (pictured), 30 and 32, and their American partner Jack Rhoad, 30, went missing during a surfing trip in Mexico’s Baja California province
Mexican prosecutors have identified three suspects – two were caught with methamphetamine and one had one of the victim’s phones – but it is believed more people may be involved.
A criminal charge of enforced disappearance, amounting to kidnapping, has been filed against the accused leader.
The man, Jesus Gerardo, has a criminal record for drug trafficking, car theft and domestic violence.
The AFP is present in Mexico and maintains contacts with local authorities.
