The parents of Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, who were killed "execution style" while in Mexico, have made a heartbreaking statement.
The two Australian brothers, along with their American friend, had been travelling the Baja California coastline on a surf trip when their parents raised the alarm they had not been in contact or checked into their accommodation as planned.
The brothers' bodies were later discovered 10m down a well south of the city of Ensenada.
Three alleged Mexican offenders — Jesús Gerardo Garcia Cota, known as El Kekas, his partner Ari Gisel García Cota, and his brother Cristian Alejandro Garcia — have been charged with forced kidnapping.
Authorities described it as a "robbery gone wrong", with the alleged offenders attempting to steal the tyres of a ute before being confronted.
Speaking for the first time since the bodies of her sons were identified, Debra said, "Our hearts are broken, and the world has become a darker place."
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Callum and Jake have been murdered," she said.
"We also mourn the loss of Carter Rhoad, a close friend."
Her husband, Martin, thanked friends in the US and Australia for their tide of support. He also thanked consulate staff and Australian agencies.
"I'd like to thank Foreign Minister Wong, who took time out of her busy schedule yesterday to call us with support," he said.
The pair have travelled to Mexico to formally identify their sons as the investigation continues.
"Now it's time to bring them home to family and friends and the ocean waves in Australia," Debra said.
"Please live bigger, shine brighter and love harder in their memory."
The couple said the brothers were close and loved by many.
"We have always been very proud of their academic and sporting achievements and admired their life choices," Debra said.
She described her son Callum as "the big koala" who was a "happy, gentle, and compassionate soul who was pursuing a career in medicine".
"Callum was a lovable, larger-than-life character and considered the United States his second home," she said.
"Jake's passion was surfing and it was no coincidence that many of the hospitals that he worked in were close to surfing beaches."
"Known as the big koala, he played professional lacrosse in the PLL [Premier Lacrosse League] and represented Australia in the world championships and always found time to coach junior teams."
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