Mother of men killed on Mexico surf trip asks for timely verdict at murder trial

The mother of Jake and Callum Robinson has made a heartfelt plea at the Mexican murder trial into her sons' deaths for a timely verdict.

The bodies of Australian brothers and their American friend, Carter Rhoad, were found at the bottom of a well in Baja California, along Mexico's Pacific coast, after the men were reported missing from a surfing trip in 2024.

The prosecution has argued the trio were killed in a robbery gone wrong. However, the defence has claimed there is not enough evidence to prove this theory.

For the past four weeks, Jesús Gerardo, also known as "El Kekas", Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús have been on trial in Ensenada over charges of aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery and grand theft auto.

Today, a court heard the closing arguments in the case against the men would be held on October 8, local time with a verdict to be delivered some time afterwards.

In response, the prosecution asked Judge Raul Hernandez Arellano if Debra Robinson could address the court. The request was immediately accepted.

Ms Robinson, who has appeared at court with her husband Martin almost every day since the start of the trial, began by expressing her gratitude at the time and attention Judge Hernandez Arellano had given to the case.

She then explained that she and Martin had booked flights back to Australia and needed to leave Mexico on October 9.

Ms Robinson requested the verdict be delivered before they returned home, adding that they would be "extremely grateful" if their plea was accepted.

"It would mean so much to us as Callum and Jake's parents to be here for the verdict," she told the judge, close to tears.

"We have travelled such a long way to seek justice for our sons and Carter. Thank you."

The three men accused of killing the Robinson brothers were seated close to the Robinsons in court. Shackled in orange prison jumpsuits, they appeared to show no emotion as the request was heard.

The judge, who had listened intently to Ms Robinson's short plea, said he would take it into consideration. He later came back and said he had adjusted his schedule to accommodate the request.

He told the court he would hand down a verdict at 10am on October 9, less than 24 hours after closing arguments and shortly before the Robinsons were due to fly home.

The parents are also set to deliver a final statement in court after the verdict is delivered next week.

As today's court session ended, the judge stood up from his seat and came down to the floor to shake the hands of the Robinsons as well as the lawyers for the prosecution and defence. He did not shake the hands of the accused.

'We feel your love and your arms around us'

Today the defence was due to cross-examine two key witnesses who gave evidence at the beginning of the trial.

The mother and son, whose names have been withheld, are in witness protection.

The court was told the defence did not wish to question the two witnesses.

Outside court, the Robinsons delivered a brief statement to waiting media, thanking everyone for their love and support.

"To everyone back home in Australia and around the world, we feel your love and your arms around us," Ms Robinson said.

"And it is giving us strength during some difficult days. As you know, we don't want to comment on the proceedings while the trial is going out of respect for the court. And its process.

"We will wait until the verdict before we speak any further."

Throughout the trial, Mr Robinson has worn a T-shirt supporting the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation. The logo on the back reads: "Live bigger, shine brighter, love harder."