A man charged over the disappearance of three tourists on a surfing trip in Mexico confessed to killing them, a court has heard.

Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad disappeared on 27 April near Ensenada.

Jesús Gerardo on Wednesday faced court on kidnapping offences, but officials say murder charges will soon be laid.

Also known as “El Kekas”, he is yet to enter a plea.

Baja California state officials have said the three tourists – all in their early 30s – were probably killed while trying to stop the tyres of their pickup truck being stolen.

Their bodies were found dumped in a cliffside well six days after they disappeared, each with a gunshot to the head, according to local authorities. A fourth body was also found in the well but had been there longer and was unconnected to the case, they added.

Jesús has been charged with “forced disappearance” and his girlfriend Ari Gisel and another man have been detained for their suspected involvement. Their surnames have been suppressed by the courts.

During Wednesday’s court appearance, prosecutors named Ari – who has not been charged over their disappearance – as one of their witnesses.

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