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A judge in Ensenada, Mexico has set a verdict for Friday at 10am local time in the murder trial of three Mexican men accused of killing two Australian brothers and their American friend. The ruling comes after closing arguments Thursday and just hours before the victims parents fly back to Perth.
A judge in Ensenada, Mexico has set a verdict for Friday at 10am local time in the murder trial of three Mexican men accused of killing two Australian brothers and their American friend.
Robinsons Request Early Verdict
The ruling will come after closing arguments scheduled for Thursday, and just hours before Debra and Martin Robinson are due to fly back to Perth. The Robinson parents have spent the past four weeks in Ensenada attending every day of the trial. Their sons Jake and Callum Robinson were killed in April 2024 while on a surfing trip in Mexico.
Their American friend Carter Rhoad was also killed in what prosecutors alleged was a robbery gone wrong in a remote beachside area of Baja California. Debra Robinson stood up in court on Wednesday to thank the judge and ask for a verdict before she and her husband head home. She told the court they had flights booked for next Friday night, and her voice quivered as she spoke.
If there is any possibility of the verdict being delivered before then, even if the sentencing occurs at a later date, we would be extraordinarily grateful, she said. It would mean so much for us, as parents of Jake and Callum, to be here for the verdict. We have travelled such a long way to seek justice for our sons and Carter.
Judge Schedules Friday Morning Ruling
The judge partly acceded to the Robinsons request by scheduling the verdict at 10am on Friday, when the court would not ordinarily sit. It was initially believed a verdict could be delivered as soon as this week. Following the hearing, Debra Robinson said it had been an incredibly difficult and emotional few weeks. We are deeply grateful for all the support and kindness we have received since we have been here, she told reporters outside court.
To everybody back home in Australia and around the world, we feel your love and your arms around us. It is giving us strength during some difficult days, she said. As you know, we do not want to comment on the proceedings while the trial is ongoing out of respect for the court and its process. We will wait for the verdict before we speak any further.
Right now, our focus is on Callum, Jake and Carter, on honouring them, their memory and seeing the process through, she said. Debra and Martin Robinson have attended each day of the four-week trial, sitting within a few metres of the three men accused of murdering their sons inside a small, beige courtroom under fluorescent lights. On Wednesday, the accused sat in bright orange prison jumpsuits with their ankles cuffed to each other, as two police officers stood behind them.
Defence Drops Key Witness Cross-Examination
The hearing lasted less than an hour, and the defence opted not to cross-examine two key witnesses. Those witnesses were a former girlfriend of alleged ringleader Jesus Gerardo, who is also known as El Kekas, and her son. Both are in witness protection and cannot be identified. No further witnesses are due to appear in court.
The case has drawn attention in Australia and beyond, with the Robinson family travelling a long distance to seek justice for their sons and Carter Rhoad. The verdict is now expected Friday morning Mexico time, hours before the parents are due to leave for Perth.
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theage:Verdict date set as mother of Australian brothers killed in Mexico makes emotional plea 
brisbanetimes:Verdict date set as mother of Australian brothers killed in Mexico makes emotional pleaThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Mexico Murder Trial Australian Brothers Jake And Callum Robinson Baja California Verdict Carter Rhoad Ensenada Court Verdict Debra And Martin Robinson Australian Brothers Killed Robinson Family
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