TIJUANA, Mexico: Physical characteristics of three bodies found in the Mexican state of Baja California match those of two Australian brothers and their American friend who went missing while surfing, local authorities said Saturday.
Prosecutor Maria Elena Andrade said the bodies, found dumped Friday in a shaft atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, were in an “advanced state of decomposition,” complicating identification.
However, she added that given their clothing and certain characteristics, such as long hair and specific physical descriptions, they have a high probability that the bodies are in fact those of the three missing men.
Authorities used a pulley system to lift what appeared to be lifeless bodies covered in mud from a cliff shaft high above the Pacific.
While another body was found at the scene, investigators determined it had been there for some time and had no connection to the most recent disappearances.
Brothers Callum and Jake Robinson were on a surfing holiday with their American friend Jack Carter when they disappeared near the town of Ensenada a week ago.
The bodies were found near the town of Santo Tomas, about 30 miles (45 kilometers) southeast of Ensenada, a spot that is hard to reach but popular with surfers.
Mexican authorities, who arrested the three suspects, were conducting an investigation in cooperation with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Australian consulate.
Andrade said one line of investigation is whether the death was the result of an attempt to steal the tourists’ pickup truck. The vehicle – which had been burnt – was found nearby.
The Robinson brothers and Carter have not been seen since April 27. According to the mother of the Australians, Debra Robinson, they never arrived at their planned accommodation.
Baja California is one of Mexico’s most violent states due to organized crime groups, although cartel activity does not normally affect foreign tourists.
