Judge Raúl Hernández Arellano delivered the verdict in Ensenada, on Mexico's Pacific coast, at the end of a five-week trial. Jesus Gerardo, also known as El Kekas, Irineo Francisco and Angel Jesus were convicted of aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery and violent vehicle theft.
The brothers' parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, attended every day of the proceedings and held hands as the verdict was read. There was no jury. In comments reported by Australian media, Martin Robinson said no outcome could undo the tragedy but the verdict marked "an important step towards justice". Debra Robinson said she hoped the men would receive long sentences "that they will never do this to any other Mexican family".
The court heard the three tourists were killed in an apparent botched robbery of their truck at a secluded beach area. Their bodies were later found with gunshot wounds to the head, dumped down a well. The case drew widespread attention because the coastal region is usually seen as safe from the violence seen elsewhere in Mexico.
Prosecutors sought 150 years in prison for each of the defendants. Debra Robinson, who was in tears, embraced Australian Ambassador to Mexico Crispin Conroy after the verdict, and the couple were due to leave for the US within hours before returning home to Perth. Carter Rhoad's family followed the trial by video link.