Two Australian brothers who were allegedly murdered with their friend in Mexico have been buried in their homeland during an emotional funeral.
Jake and Callum Robinson, aged 30 and 32, and their American partner Jack Rhoad, 30, disappeared while on a surfing trip in the Mexican province of Baja California in April.
The desperate chase sparked headlines around the world until the grim discovery of their bodies at the bottom of a 15-metre-deep well near their camp.
Local police allege they were shot after resisting the theft of their truck.
On Saturday, hundreds of grieving friends and family gathered for a private service at Sacred Heart College in Sorrento, northwest of Perth, where the brothers graduated from school.
Brothers Jake and Callum Robinson (pictured), aged 30 and 32, and their American partner Jack Rhoad, 30, disappeared while surfing in the Mexican province of Baja California six weeks ago.
Their devastated parents, Debra and Martin Robinson (pictured), fought through tears to say goodbye to them and the “pure love” they exuded in their short lives.
Their devastated parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, fought through tears to say goodbye to them and the “pure love” they exuded in their short lives.
“They loved life and followed their dreams,” Mrs. Robinson said.
“They were intelligent, respectful men with much more to offer the world.”
The cover of the commemorative booklet showed an image of the two brothers smiling in each other’s arms, accompanied by the words: “live bigger, shine brighter, love stronger.”
Callum was an accomplished lacrosse player who represented Australia and played professionally in the United States.
Meanwhile, Jake was a doctor who was about to start a new job at a hospital in Geelong.
“We are not here to dwell on the where or the how or to try to understand why he died, but to say goodbye to two young people and hopefully begin the healing process for everyone,” Ms Robinson added.
‘We love that Jake was curious, kind and happy, and never judgmental.
‘Callum always made a conscious decision to wake up and be positive every day. He saw a lot of fun in life.
“We love that they love all the dogs in the world.”
The cover of the commemorative booklet featured an image of the two brothers smiling in each other’s arms, accompanied by the words: “live bigger, shine brighter, love stronger” (pictured)
They were murdered along with their friend the American Jack Carter Rhoad (in the photo).
Ms. Robinson urged those gathered to “find your own way to honor them in the way you live your life.”
“We have cried many tears and we will cry many more… We miss you beyond description,” he said.
‘Boy Callum and Jakey, 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 citizens have been arrested for their deaths; the alleged ringleader Jesús Gerardo, his brother Cristian Alejandro and Gerardo’s girlfriend, Ari Gisel, 23 years old.
In an Ensenada court, prosecutors claimed that Jesús had driven his girlfriend’s car to the area where the Robinsons and Mr. Rhoad were camping and then ambushed them.
Gisel was later detained by police officers on a routine patrol in Ensenada on May 1, when she allegedly threw a small bag containing 100 grams of methamphetamine to the ground and tried to flee. Newscast reported.
An iPhone belonging to Mr Rhoad was also allegedly found following a search of the vehicle.
The two men were arrested shortly after.
Only Gerardo has been charged with forced kidnapping for the murders. He has not yet pleaded guilty, but his charges are expected to be upgraded to murder.
He will remain detained until November, when he must appear in court.
The remains were found in a well (pictured) more than 15 meters deep next to a cliff in Punta San José in Santo Tomás, in the municipality of Ensenada.