Source : Perth Now news
The parents of Australian brothers allegedly murdered in Mexico have made an emotional statement outside court, where the trial of their sons’ three accused killers is entering its final stages.
It has been two-and-a-half years since the bodies of Perth siblings Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad were found dumped at the bottom of a well after they vanished while on a surfing trip.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Verdict looms in Australian brothers’ Mexico murder trial
Martin and Debra Robinson made the journey from WA to the port city of Ensenada for the start of the trial in early September.
The judge deciding the fate of the three accused has told the court that closing arguments will be heard next Thursday.
Debra stood up in court, thanking the judge for his time and attention to this case.
In a tearful plea she told him they have flights back to Australia on October 9 and asked if a verdict could be returned before they leave.
The judge agreed to deliver his decision in the morning before they are due to depart.
Outside court, she detailed how tough the last month had been.
“It’s been an incredibly difficult and emotional few weeks here in Ensenada,” Robinson said.
“We are deeply grateful for all the support and kindness we have received since we have been here.
“To everyone back home in Australia and around the world, we feel your love and your arms around us.
“And it is giving us strength during some difficult days.”
The alarm for the boys and their friend was raised when they suddenly could not be reached by loved ones.
Prosecutors allege they were shot in a robbery gone wrong, arguing they were targeted along Mexico’s Pacific coast because their killers wanted the tyres off their ute.
Their vehicle was found torched.
Three men were charged with murder and aggravated robbery.
“We will wait until the verdict before we speak any further,” Robinson said in her statement outside court.
“Right now our focus is on Callum, Jake and Carter, on honouring them, their memory and seeing the process through.”
Life ‘hell’ without them
The Perth boys’ father previously gave heartbreaking evidence at the trial, saying his life since their deaths has been “hell”.
“It’s hard enough for a parent to lose one child but we lost two sons in horrific circumstances, and it’s left a huge hole in our lives,” he told the court in September.
He added the family does not “hold any animosity against the people” responsible for the brothers’ deaths, but added “what we can’t understand is how they could rob the world of two beautiful men who had such bright futures”.
Rhoad’s mother, who testified via video link, told the court authorities had informed her that each alleged victim was shot three times.
“Each of the boys was shot behind the head. I’m not an expert but to me it looked like an execution,” she said.
