Three tourists who were tragically found dead in Mexico were shot, prosecutors have said.
The deceased had previously been named as brothers Callum, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, from Australia, and Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, from America.
Their remains were found on 3 May, having last been heard from on 27 April.
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Their bodies were discovered in a well four-metres deep, 159 miles south of Ensenada, a tourist town where the trio had been camping while on a surfing trip.
Concerns for their safety were raised after they failed to show up to a pre-booked Airbnb stay.
When police launched their investigation, they found a burnt-out white pickup truck, tents and a phone linked to the missing men.
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After their remains were recovered from the well, relatives flew out to tragically identify the bodies.
Now, state prosecutor Maria Andrade Ramírez has weighed in, sharing further details in the case.
She has stated her belief that the three men were killed while attempting to stop their truck being stolen.
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She theorised that the alleged attackers potentially wanted the truck for its tyres.
CBS News quoted her as suggesting: "The attackers drove by in their vehicle. They approached, with the intention of stealing their vehicle and taking the tires and other parts to put them on the older-model pickup they were driving.
"When they (the foreigners) came up and caught them, surely, they resisted.
"And these people, the assailants, took out a gun and first they killed the one who was putting up resistance against the vehicle theft, and then others came along and joined the fight to defend their property and their companion who had been attacked, and they killed them too."
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As they recovered the three bodies, police also found a fourth body.
However, law enforcement have noted that it is unconnected to the case of the previously missing trio.
Two men and a woman have been detained on suspicion of direct or indirect involvement in alleged the attack.
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The parents of the brothers, Deborah and Martin Robinson, shared that Callum had been living in the United States and dreamed of a career as a professional lacrosse player.
His brother Jake was on 'the trip of lifetime' visiting him, and was due to start a new job in Australia as a doctor.
They stated: “Callum and Jake are beautiful human beings. We love them so much and this breaks our heart.”
Social media of Jack, who also went by Carter, shows that he proposed to his partner less than a year ago.
A fundraiser set up as 'Carter Rhoad's memorial fund' notes all three men 'brought immeasurable joy, love, and kindness' to the world.
Topics: World News, News