It was a text that would start a chain of events that would end in tragedy. On April 27, 2024, Australian brothers Callum, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, and American buddy Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, had gone camping at Punta San José, a remote surf spot about 20 miles south of Ensenada, Baja California. They crossed from the United States for a reunion full of surfing, camping, and celebration. Callum, a professional lacrosse player, was spending time with Jake ahead of his new hospital job in Australia, while Rhoad was marking his recent engagement.
1. The Setup and Deadly Robbery
That evening, they encountered 23-yr-old Ary Gisell Silva Raya. She observed the target’s valuables – “good phones and good tires” – and relayed this information to her boyfriend and two other men. Several hours later, between the hours of 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., the trio returned to their campsite intent on stealing the tires from the surfers’ Chevy Colorado truck. When the victims resisted, they were killed during the attempted robbery. Their bodies were taken four miles away to a remote, 50-foot-deep well, covered with boards, alongside a fourth body unrelated to the surfers. The truck was later found burnt out close by.
2. Rapid Investigation Compared to Local Cases
The men were reported missing by family members the same day, when they failed to check into their Airbnb in Rosarito Beach. A search by local police, the Mexican military and the FBI yielded the bodies within days.
Locals were astonished at the speed of such an international investigation-which stood in jarring contrast to slow or stalemated probes into the disappearance of thousands of Mexican citizens, reflecting the deep-seated problems with justice in Mexico, where only about 17% of intentional homicide cases result in the identification of a suspect.
3. Sentencing and Ongoing Trials
On November 19, 2025, Silva Raya pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and car theft, foregoing a trial. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison with the stipulation she pay 54,000 pesos, roughly $3,000, in restitution. Her alleged co-conspirators-Jesús “El Kekas” Gerardo García Cota, Irineo Francisco García Montaño, and Ángel Jesús León Aguilera-remain detained pending separate murder trials.
4. Violent Crime News and Its Emotional Aftermath
To many who have followed the case, the details are deeply unsettling. For some, exposure to violent crime stories-especially those with graphic elements-can trigger anxiety, stress, or even symptoms of trauma. According to experts from the University of California, Berkeley’s Human Rights Center, one could develop vicarious PTSD after repeated exposure to “traumatic media.” Mental health professionals say the key to coping is to limit consumption of upsetting coverage and take breaks from news feeds; discuss your feelings with close, trusted individuals.
5. Safety in High-Risk Travel Locations
For now, Baja California’s northern state has a Level 3 U.S. travel advisory, which means “reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.” Baja California Sur is currently at Level 2, which asks for “increased caution.” Safety experts recommend that tourists stay around tourist areas, not travel to remote locations at night, and be particular about their valuables. Basic precautions such as official taxis or rideshares, items in front-facing bags, and not displaying expensive gear can minimize risk.
6. Practical Travel Safety Tips
It is recommended that travelers not attend any private parties with strangers. Never leave your drinks unattended, and carry with you only what is necessary. Writing down accommodation details prevents you from having to use your phone, which may attract thieves. The traveler should never give in to unofficial demands; instead, one is advised to call emergency services. Some regions are notorious for scams for example, scams involving fake police officers who target solo travelers.
7. The Safer Appeal of Baja Sur
Given that high-profile violence has plagued northern Baja, southern Baja is a far safer place. With well-developed tourism infrastructure, protected coastlines, and amiable locals, it’s a destination to which tourists flock for whale watching, kayaking, and small-town appeal with fairly minimal risk. Guides stress daylight travel, populated areas, and reliance on trusted local operators.
What happened to Callum, Jake, and Jack puts into sharp focus the need for vigilance while traveling, at least to those areas of the world where the outcomes of law enforcement are spotty. It is possible for travelers to safeguard themselves with more certainty than in times past, while still enjoying beauty and culture in places such as Baja California.
