On Friday, Mexican authorities found three dead tourists in the state of Baja California, in northern Mexico.
On Sunday, State Attorney Maria Elena Andrade confirms that it is highly probable that it is the Australian brothers Jake (30) and Callum Robinson (33), and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad (33), who were found dead.
The men had been wanted by close family for several days before they were found.
First, a burnt-out car was found, before the police found three bodies on a farm 65 kilometers away, according to CNN.
MISSING: The men were reported missing for several days before they were found. Photo: The police
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To Australian 7News, Andrade says that the bodies, which are believed to belong to the trio, were at the bottom of a 15-metre-deep well, close to the coastline.
The police have launched an investigation, and have a clear theory about what may have happened.
Dumped
The group of friends were on a surfing trip in Ensenada in Baja California when the incident occurred. The state is one of the country’s most violent, but tourist areas such as Ensenada are considered safer.
Missing tourists found dead
Andrade believes that the two were killed in connection with an attempted robbery.
The men are said to have resisted when someone tried to take their car, which led to the three of them being shot.
The car is said to have then been set on fire, before the trio were dumped in the well.
On Saturday, ABC News reported that three people have been arrested and charged in the case.
Found another corpse
Rescuers worked for hours to free and retrieve the bodies, according to Australian media. They also had to use climbing equipment to reach the bodies at the bottom of the well.
Andrade adds that a fourth body was also found.
ON TRAVEL: The week before the Australian brothers were reported missing, they were at the Coachella festival in the USA. Photo: AFP / NTB
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However, this body was older and, according to the public prosecutor, is not connected to the case in question. The person has not been identified.
Investigators continue to search the area to secure additional evidence.
– Deeply disturbing
On Saturday, the US State Department commented on the deaths.
– We are aware of the reports, and follow the situation closely, the statement says, according to Reuters.
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Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs also says it is working closely with Mexican authorities and Australian police on the situation.
They also have a close dialogue with relatives.
The country’s health minister Mark Butler points out that they are working hard to obtain important information.
– This is deeply disturbing for Australian society, and especially for the family and friends of these two young Australians, says Butler during a press conference on Saturday.
Traveled around
Australian Callum was a professional lacrosse player, while Jake was a doctor. Just before the surfing holiday, they had been to the Coachella festival in California.
According to CNN, the family of the brothers from Perth have traveled to Mexico in connection with the deaths.
The family reported the men missing on April 29, and on Wednesday May 1 the mother called for her sons on a Facebook page for tourists in the area.
– Has anyone seen my two sons? They have not contacted us, she wrote.
