Jake and Callum Robinson: Mexican authorities say Perth brothers killed near beach known for drug-running
Gerardo, also known as 'El Kekas', Angel Jesús and Ari Gisselle were all arrested soon after the alleged killings, while a fourth man – Irineo Francisco – was arrested some time later.
Gerardo, Jesús and Francisco were charged with aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery, grand theft auto and forced disappearance.
Gisselle was charged with the same offences, excluding forced disappearance.
Gerardo and Francisco both appeared via video link from the 'El Hongo' prison, while Gisselle and Jesús appeared in person in court on Thursday.
Gisselle and Jesús were manacled together at the ankles.
The ABC reported that court documents revealed Gerardo and Francisco's alleged links to the Sinaloa cartel were behind their transfer to a prison branded as being among the world's toughest.
Jesus Gerardo, known as El Kekas. Credit:
The men have different attorneys, but two failed to appear in court, leading to the rescheduling of the pre-trial hearing to later this month.
Gerardo's attorney requested to join all the charges together on the same indictment to streamline further court processes.
The outcome of the request will be determined at the pre-trial hearing on July 25.
It is understood there have been difficulties in determining and agreeing on the facts of the case, and that Gisselle, Jesús and Francisco could have their charges changed to exclude aggravated homicide. All four will remain in prison until the next hearing.
The Robinson family made no statement about the proceedings other than thanking followers on Instagram for their support.
A Mexican not-for-profit aimed at combating corruption said it was important to see justice where '99 per cent of murders never see the light'.
It said nearly two-thirds of Mexican people had lost trust in the local justice system, and 77 per cent of Mexicans believed crime was often only prioritised when it was subject to media or political pressure.
Human rights organisations have said previously that many victims of crime in Mexico are predominantly Mexicans, with cartels avoiding targeting tourists due to the potential of attracting attention.
A demonstrator's bodyboard reads in Spanish 'No more violence' during protests at the death of the Robinson brothers and their American friend in Ensenada, Mexico, last year. Credit: AP
The fourth body in the well where the bodies of the men were found was believed to be that of a farmer who recently lost control of the ranch to the Sinaloa cartel.
Authorities have previously said the men's deaths were not connected to cartel violence, and were instead petty theft gone wrong.
The Tijuana Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, and Sinaloa Cartel are warring at present for control of the region.
Start the day with a summary of the day's most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
This story has been updated to more accurately reflect the sources of some information pertaining to the case.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
8 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Lord Mayor reinvented as US fighter pilot on X, claims account was hacked
A social media account for Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has apparently been hacked and bizarrely renamed after a highly decorated American fighter pilot. This week, the official X (formerly Twitter) account's name was changed to John R. Alison, with the handle @thanksdaddyfor2. Alison is often cited as the father of Air Force Special Operations in the US. The bio section has been switched to 'Keeping not moving', in what seemed to be a cheeky jab at Schrinner's often-used slogan, 'Keeping Brisbane moving'. Posts previously made by the Lord Mayor's official team remain unscathed, with the last post made on Monday night. As of Thursday, the account had not added any new posts or replies. The account is still following 2300 people, with 7400 followers. After questions from this masthead, Schrinner said his official X account of 16 years was hacked. 'But that hasn't raised any suspicions at X,' he said.
The Age
8 hours ago
- The Age
Lord Mayor reinvented as US fighter pilot on X, claims account was hacked
A social media account for Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has apparently been hacked and bizarrely renamed after a highly decorated American fighter pilot. This week, the official X (formerly Twitter) account's name was changed to John R. Alison, with the handle @thanksdaddyfor2. Alison is often cited as the father of Air Force Special Operations in the US. The bio section has been switched to 'Keeping not moving', in what seemed to be a cheeky jab at Schrinner's often-used slogan, 'Keeping Brisbane moving'. Posts previously made by the Lord Mayor's official team remain unscathed, with the last post made on Monday night. As of Thursday, the account had not added any new posts or replies. The account is still following 2300 people, with 7400 followers. After questions from this masthead, Schrinner said his official X account of 16 years was hacked. 'But that hasn't raised any suspicions at X,' he said.
Sky News AU
9 hours ago
- Sky News AU
'No job is worth losing yourself': Glam cop reveals she quit the force after developing PTSD from attending 'nightmare' crime scenes
A glamorous policewoman has spoken out about why she quit the force, declaring she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder on the job after attending "nightmare" scenes and being told she'd "failed" victims of crime. Emma Louise, 23, always wanted to be a detective. The UK woman underwent the necessary education to achieve her dream job before landing a role as a trainee detective constable a few years ago. After quitting the force last year, Emma took to Instagram last week to explain how what she thought would be a lifelong career actually turned out to be an intense journey that totally derailed her life. She shared photos showing herself as a new officer beaming in her uniform, but behind the scenes, Emma was facing a very sinister reality. "At first, it was everything I dreamed of; fast-paced, meaningful, intense," she wrote in the caption. "But eventually, that intensity began to consume me. "I was attending scenes from nightmares, interviewing people who had done horrific things, and speaking to victims who were being failed by the system. "All while trying to heal from past experiences in my personal life." Emma said she sought Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to cope with her work at the time. The treament is designed to help people process traumatic memories by recalling a distressing experience while undergoing bilateral stimulation. It was during the therapy the young policewoman was told she was showing symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). "I was sitting across from people with the same trauma I was still carrying—being told I'd failed them," Emma said. "I realised I couldn't keep giving from a place that was empty. "So I left. Despite the security, the pension, the expectations of my loved ones. For the very first time, I put myself first." Emma said a year on, she is the "happiest (she's) ever been" and has not needed therapy for eight months, while in a healthy relationship. "Working a job I love. And falling back in love with life again. "If you needed a sign—this is it. No job is worth losing yourself for." People in the comments commended Emma for her honesty, with other former officers saying they too struggled with the pressures of the role. A woman said she was affected by her colleague being killed on duty. "I was a police officer for 2 years. It was a hard decision; I felt like I was letting my family and myself down," she said. "I had joined with a police officer who was killed on duty, and I think it subconsciously affected me. "Also had therapy, but years later. Also, had gone in to help people, but it didn't feel that way." Another person shared their similar story, saying they left their "dream job in the police force" in 2022 and have "never felt so free". "The job will keep you under an umbrella and tell you it's constantly raining," the former cop said. "One day, when you eventually decide to step out from underneath the umbrella, you'll realise it's been sunny all along." An officer to be who is studying and shares the same dream as Emma said she fears the hardships of the role before even starting. "I'm really beginning to feel like it will not be the job for me for the exact reasons you mentioned," she said. "I fear my experience would be exactly like this, and I'd end up leaving despite the benefits you mentioned. Another person said: "Being a police officer or a social worker is probably one of the toughest jobs you can do." "You have to think of your wellbeing because you are the only person in the police who will." In Australia, an Audit Office of NSW June report into the the mental health and wellbeing of the state's police found psychological claims rose from 790 in 2019-20 to 1,208 in 2023-24. Half (51 per cent) of all officers leaving the force do so for medical reasons, while 93 per cent quit for psychological reasons. Mental stress factors, exposure to violence, work pressures and work-related harassment, along with exposure to traumatic events were the leading causes of psychological injury among the state's force. A police spokeswoman said the force had made significant inroads in the past three years to improve awareness, training, education and support. "Policing is a challenging and rewarding job and, at times, officers are exposed to traumatic incidents," the spokeswoman said. "The psychological well-being of our people is vitally important, and we will continue to improve the support programs at all levels that enable our officers to do the job that they love."
