ENSENADA, MX – The mystery surrounding the sudden disappearance of an American and two Australians in a popular Mexican tourist area deepened as three bodies were discovered in a nearby pit, according to a recent statement from the local prosecutor’s office. The trio, identified as American Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, and Australian brothers Callum Robinson, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, had embarked on a camping and surfing trip and were last seen on April 27.
Their absence was noted when they failed to arrive at their planned accommodation. The grim discovery of the bodies came as part of the ongoing search for the missing men. However, officials have yet to confirm if the bodies belong to the missing trio.
Forensic examinations are underway at a state laboratory to positively identify the remains. Meanwhile, investigators are combing the rugged terrain where the bodies were found for any additional evidence.
The bodies were discovered near the tourist town of Ensenada in Baja California, approximately 90 minutes south of the U.S.-Mexico border. The area, marked off by police, is a rugged hillside near the remote seaside area where the men’s tents and a burned-out Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck were found.
The cause of death and the nature of the injuries sustained by the victims remain unclear. Baja California prosecutors announced the arrest of three individuals on charges akin to kidnapping, though it is uncertain if they will face additional charges.
Mayor Carlos Ibarra Aguiar of Ensenada confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old woman found with drugs and a cellphone bearing a wallpaper photo of one of the missing men. The connection of the three arrested individuals to the case is still being investigated.
The search for the men was initiated 48 hours after their last known sighting, spurred by posts circulating on social media. The Baja California Attorney General’s Office is in contact with the FBI and relatives of the victims, through consular agencies.