A man passed away in recent hours after being fatally stabbed in broad daylight on the streets of Santiago de Cuba, according to journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who shared the news on social media.
The victim, a young man named Eliecer, known by the nickname "El Moro," was killed with a knife on Madre Vieja Street No. 130, between Aguilera and Enramada, just a few blocks away from a police station known as “La Motorizada.”
A local resident specified that the attacker—whose identity remains unknown—was "on leave" and had been drinking with El Moro hours before the incident occurred. A police officer in the area apprehended the murderer, who, according to the source, attempted to attack the officer, prompting the use of pepper spray for self-defense.
The motives behind this violent act that resulted in Eliecer receiving three fatal stab wounds—one to the eye, another to the neck, and the last to the lung—remain unclear. Neighbors confirmed that the victim lost a significant amount of blood, and a resident urged prompt cleaning of the area due to a foul odor.
Images shared by Mayeta Labrada show several people gathered at the crime scene. In the comment section of the post, dozens of people who knew the victim expressed their shock over the crime and concern about a feared resurgence in reports of violence in Cuba after a slight decrease in social media reports in recent weeks.
"My God, years ago his brother was killed, and now he ends up dead too. My condolences to his sister 'La Mora' and family. Rest in peace," commented one user amid dozens of condolence messages.
As of the closure of this note, no further details about the incident have been released. The wave of violence plaguing the country in recent months has significantly impacted Santiago de Cuba, a fact acknowledged by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) as an issue requiring special attention.
Escalating Violence in Santiago de Cuba
In late January, a high-ranking official from the Ministry of the Interior in the province admitted, during a meeting with residents of the Abel Santamaría neighborhood (El Salao), the presence of criminal gangs that are "spreading terror" among locals.
On that occasion, authorities asked for a vote of confidence from those affected and sent a message to criminals, warning that they will be rigorously sanctioned for their actions.
Understanding the Recent Stabbing Incident in Santiago de Cuba
To provide more context about this tragic event and the broader issue of violence in Santiago de Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Who was the victim of the stabbing?
The victim was a young man named Eliecer, also known as "El Moro."
Where did the incident occur?
The stabbing occurred on Madre Vieja Street No. 130, between Aguilera and Enramada, near the police station “La Motorizada” in Santiago de Cuba.
What are the local authorities doing about the rising violence?
Local authorities, including the Ministry of the Interior, are acknowledging the issue and have promised rigorous sanctions against criminals. They have also called for public trust in their efforts to curb the violence.