This affair caused an uproar in four corners of the world. A woman was just sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday, November 19 for being the mastermind behind the murder of three surfing tourists during a car theft in Mexico, in April 2024.
Ari Gisell, 23, pleaded guilty to inciting the violent attack and murder of two Australian brothers, Jake and Callum Robinson, and their American friend, Carter Rhoad.
At the time of their disappearance, the three men were in the Mexican state of Baja California in April last year as part of a surfing trip along the Pacific coast.
Their bodies were found several days later, in early May, at the bottom of a well, decomposing, each with a bullet in the head.
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Stripped and slaughtered
Ari Gisell told her boyfriend Jesús Gerardo about his interest in surfers’ car tires and asked her to “bring him a good phone and a good tire for (his) van,” the court heard.
Jesús Gerardo and two other people, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús, then followed the vehicle to the campsite where the three surfers were staying and then robbed them before shooting them dead.
According to Mexican media, Jesús Gerardo and Irineo Francisco have ties to the powerful Mexican drug cartel, long led by notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The three men are now in custody and are still awaiting trial.
“My life is a nightmare”
The families of the victims, who appeared in court via video conference, made moving statements during Wednesday’s hearing. “We dreamed of seeing them grow up, having children. All that is now impossible,” said Debra Robinson, Callum and Jake’s mother, as quoted by ABC.
“Carter was the love of my life,” Natalie Rhoad, the third victim’s fiancee, testified. He is my refuge. My life now is a nightmare. »
Callum Robinson, 33, is a member of the Australian national lacrosse team and lives in San Diego, just across the Mexican border in the United States. His younger brother, Jake, aged 30, lives in Australia and came to visit him before starting a new job as a doctor on his return to Australia. Carter Rhoad, their friend of 30 years, also lived in San Diego, he was getting married a few months after being killed.
Ari Gisell tearfully apologized to the family in court, admitting that “no one can compensate you or give you peace.” “I’m trying to be a better person and I’m so sorry for your loss,” added the single mother, who said she lost her family because of her role in the crime.
