Tragedy struck a Mexican town as three lifeless bodies were discovered near the area where three surfers - two Australians and an American - disappeared last weekend, as confirmed by the FBI on Friday evening.
The FBI revealed that the bodies were found in Santa Tomas, Baja California, without disclosing the identities of the victims.
"While we must maintain the integrity of the investigation and legal processes, as well as respect the privacy of those involved, we want to emphasize that every lead is being carefully evaluated," stated the FBI. "If deemed credible, we will vigorously pursue these leads. We are in close communication with the family of the U.S. Citizen and remain committed to working with our international law enforcement partners to uncover the truth."
Australian siblings Jake and Callum Robinson, along with their American companion, have been missing since April 27, according to officials.
State's Chief Prosecutor Provides Updates on Missing Foreigners in Baja California
María Elena Andrade Ramírez, the state's chief prosecutor, refrained from identifying whether the three individuals questioned were potential suspects or witnesses in the ongoing case. She mentioned that some of them had direct connections to the case, while others were indirectly involved.
Andrade Ramírez disclosed that certain evidence discovered alongside the abandoned tents was somehow linked to the trio. The three foreigners were expected to be surfing and camping along the Baja coast near Ensenada but failed to appear at their designated accommodations over the weekend.
"A team of investigators is currently at the location where the individuals were last sighted, and where tents and other items of interest were found that could be connected to these three individuals who are under scrutiny," Andrade Ramírez stated. "There is significant information that we are unable to disclose at this time."
"Their well-being is uncertain," she added. Despite the presence of drug cartels in the region, Andrade Ramírez emphasized that "all possible leads are being explored. No possibilities are being ruled out until the individuals are located."
Mother of Missing Australians Seeks Assistance in Locating Sons
Debra Robinson, the mother of the missing Australians, took to a local community Facebook page on Wednesday to appeal for help in locating her sons. Robinson expressed concern as she had not heard from her son since Saturday, April 27. The two brothers had made reservations in the nearby city of Rosarito, Baja California.
Andrade Ramírez mentioned that her office had been in communication with Australian and U.S. authorities. However, she expressed concern that the time elapsed could complicate the search for the individuals.
The investigation was being coordinated with the FBI, as well as the Australian and U.S. consulates, according to the prosecutor's office.
During December, leaders of a cartel launched a violent spree to track down corrupt police officers involved in the theft of a drug shipment in Tijuana, situated in Baja California.
In 2015, Australian surfers Adam Coleman and Dean Lucas were tragically killed in the western Sinaloa state, located across the Gulf of California - also known as the Sea of Cortez - from the Baja peninsula. Authorities attributed their deaths to highway bandits, and three suspects were apprehended in connection with the case.
