Crime House Daily: "First Watch: Surfers in Baja Lured and Killed…For Tires?"

Podcast: Crime House Daily
Host: Katie Ring
Date: December 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This First Watch episode, hosted by Katie Ring, tackles two major breaking cases:

1. The shocking 2021 double homicide of Justin and Amber Hicks in Acworth, Georgia, a heartbreaking crime intertwined with issues of mental health, police response, and a tragic family history.
2. The 2024 murder of three surfers in Baja California, Mexico—a case that evolved from a robbery over tires into a cold-blooded execution, recently culminating in the conviction of one of the accused.

Katie provides in-depth narrative updates on each case, interspersed with personal reflections, direct quotations from those involved, the emotional aftermath for families, and essential trial developments.

Case One: The Acworth, Georgia Double Homicide

Timestamps: Start – 23:47

The Victims

• Justin Hicks: 31, firefighter, EMS rescuer; devoted husband and proud father.
• Amber Hicks: 31, beloved for her warmth and generosity.

"Justin was most proud of his family life. They'd known each other since they were kids, and when Justin was just 12 years old, he started telling his friends he was going to marry Amber someday." —Katie Ring (05:19)

The Tragedy

• November 17, 2021: Justin and Amber shot and killed in their home.
• Their toddler son, Jacob, found alive and unharmed but left alone for 12 hours.

"Their two year old son Jacob was sitting on the couch cuddled up against his parents and he'd left a toy on his father's leg. One of the most heartbreaking parts of the story is that Jacob had been trying to snuggle and play with his parents. Unaware of the reality of what had just happened." —Katie Ring (12:58)

The Background: An Ominous Prequel

• The Hicks' house had a dangerous history.
• Previous residents, Philip Brent and Eliza Wells, were harassed for months by neighbor Austin Lance, who left explicit threats and eventually invaded their home with a sledgehammer (06:00–08:22).
• Austin later committed a random murder-suicide at the Pentagon in August 2021, shaking the entire community.

The Link to the Hicks’ Murders

• Days after the double homicide, a nearby incident: a man in camo stabbed a Sandy Springs police officer (13:00–13:50).
• The suspect, Matthew Lance—younger brother of Austin—displayed severe mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) and referenced past harassment against his brother.
• Family recounts: Matthew rambling about "devil worshippers" and "demonic lights." (14:43)
• Investigators tied Matthew to the crime with:
  • Ballistic evidence matching his confiscated pistol to the scene
  • Security footage of his car at the Hicks' home (17:40)
  • DNA on the gun

"He could also be seen getting out of the car and walking around the property before breaking in." —Katie Ring (17:58)

The Trial and Aftermath

• Matthew found incompetent for trial repeatedly; finally found competent October 2025.
• Opts for a bench trial, convicted on all counts, receives two consecutive life sentences plus 32 years (19:45).
• Defense challenges evidence and his competency post-verdict.
• Jacob now under care of his grandparents; a trust fund has been set up for his future (21:53).

Case Two: The Baja Surfer Murders

Timestamps: 23:48 – 30:45

The Victims and Their Bond

• Callum and Jake Robinson: Australian brothers, avid surfers (Callum, 33, pro lacrosse player; Jake, 30, doctor).
• Carter Rhode ("Carter"): Close friend, tech entrepreneur from San Diego, engaged to be married.

"This was supposed to be a trip of a lifetime." —Katie Ring (23:58)

The Trip and the Crime

• April 2024: The trio camps at Punta San Jose, Baja California, a location known for both waves and cartel activity.
• They meet Eri "Arie" Silva Raya; she asks her boyfriend, Jesus Garcia Cota, to rob the men—specifically naming the truck tires and a phone (26:04).
• Jesus and two accomplices, James Ireneo Garcia Montano and Angel Leon Aguilera, ambush the campsite, shoot all three men, dispose of their bodies in a remote well, and burn the truck after removing the tires.

"They didn't just rob Callum, Jake and Carter. First they ambushed them, Then they pulled out guns, shot them and killed all three men." —Katie Ring (26:43)

• The men's remains are found days later, along with an unidentified fourth body at the bottom of the well (27:24).

The Emotional Fallout

• Moving tributes from loved ones, e.g., Callum's girlfriend, Emily:

"This man changed my life in ways that I can't even put into words. I don't yet understand a world without him and his energy in it. I feel so grateful to have loved him. [...] Tell your people you love them. Live life to the fullest every day. Be kind to others, laugh uncontrollably, don't let the small stuff bother you. Lead with positivity and live like California." —Emily (29:06)

The Arrests and Verdict

• July 2025: All four suspects arrested.
• Arie pleads guilty, receives 20 years as part of a plea deal (29:50). Three men remain in custody, awaiting trial, likely in 2026.

"Some people from the area spoke out to say it felt like authorities didn't care as much when locals went missing or were killed. At least people could rest assured, knowing that some dangerous offenders were being held accountable." —Katie Ring (29:55)

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On the trauma for survivors:
  "It would later become one of Audrey's biggest regrets because she would never get the chance to see her friend one last time or thank her for everything she had done for her and her family." —Katie Ring, on Amber Hicks’ kindness (12:46)

• On systemic issues:
  "Like so many similar stories, people grappled with the visceral impact of the mental health epidemic." —Katie Ring (09:52)

• On the senselessness of the Baja murders:
  "Many of the investigative details are still being kept private, but... authorities also found a fourth body at the very bottom of the well, which had clearly been there much longer than the other three." —Katie Ring (27:24)

Key Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Topic/Quote | |-----------|-------------| | 03:21 | Introduction to Hicks case; house’s dangerous history | | 05:19 | Insight on Justin & Amber’s life together | | 09:52 | Austin Lance’s mental health deterioration and murder-suicide | | 12:58 | Discovery of Jacob with his slain parents | | 13:00-13:50 | Stabbing of Sandy Springs police officer—Matthew Lance incident | | 14:43 | Family describes Matthew’s mental state | | 17:40 | Ballistic evidence linking Matthew to the murder | | 19:45 | Verdict and sentencing for Matthew Lance | | 21:53 | Jacob’s guardianship and fundraiser | | 23:58 | Introduction to Baja surfing trip murders | | 26:04 | Arie Silva Raya’s pivotal role in setting up the crime | | 26:43 | Description of the triple murder | | 27:24 | Discovery of the fourth body in the well | | 29:06 | Callum Robinson’s girlfriend pays tribute | | 29:50 | Arie’s conviction and sentencing | | 29:55 | Community’s reaction to the arrest | | 30:45 | Call to audience for reactions and theories |

Takeaway and Tone

Katie Ring maintains a respectful, empathetic, and measured tone, balancing journalistic clarity with deep empathy for victims and their families. She underscores both the complexities of mental health in violent crimes and the unpredictable dangers travelers sometimes face. Throughout, her narration encourages listeners to reflect on justice, loss, and the resilience of those left behind.

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