Karen Fuentes López, an 18-year-old autistic teenager from Matanzas, who had been missing for nearly a week, has been found safe and sound, according to a social media post by his father, Sixto Osvaldo Fuentes. Sixto had earlier sought public assistance in locating his son.
In an initial update posted on Facebook, Fuentes mentioned that his son was found "in an abandoned house." In a subsequent post, Sixto Osvaldo Fuentes clarified that Karen had been located "in a vacant house that shares a backyard with the one where he lives."
"Karen is quite resourceful and has become an expert at evading notice. They are currently withdrawing the missing person report, and he will be taken to the hospital for a check-up by Legal Medicine," the father explained. He also expressed gratitude for the concern and assistance received from many people.
In a previous post where Sixto Osvaldo Fuentes Guiardinu asked for help, he had noted that his son, who has communication difficulties, often leaves home but usually returns without any issues. This time, however, was different. Karen lives in the Pastorita neighborhood of Matanzas and was last seen on May 14th, when he left his house at 10:00 p.m., wearing shorts and a t-shirt, with no backpack, water, or food.
Reports of missing persons in Cuba have been increasingly frequent in recent months, along with social media appeals for information. This rise in disappearances comes amid growing violence in the country. Unfortunately, the search for another young mother, Karildi Marín, 24, has been ongoing for five months. She has been missing since the night of December 14, 2023. Karildi, who lives in Párraga in the Havana municipality of Arroyo Naranjo, attended a party in Cerro, and her family has not heard from her since.
Also missing is Lali Paola Moliner, a three-year-old girl from the Bahía neighborhood in Habana del Este, who has been unaccounted for since March 3rd. The child was last seen with her mother, whose body was found on March 4th on the coast of Cojímar.
Equally distressing is the case of the teenager Maydeleisis Rosales Rodríguez, who disappeared nearly three years ago in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recent Disappearances in Cuba
Given the rising number of disappearances in Cuba, we have compiled some common questions and answers to provide more context and information.
What is the current situation regarding missing persons in Cuba?
Reports of missing persons have become increasingly frequent in recent months, with social media being used to seek public assistance in locating missing individuals. This trend is occurring amid a backdrop of growing violence in the country.
Who is Karen Fuentes López?
Karen Fuentes López is an 18-year-old autistic teenager from Matanzas who had been missing for nearly a week before being found safe. He has communication difficulties and often leaves home but usually returns without issues.
What are the details surrounding the disappearance of Karildi Marín?
Karildi Marín, a 24-year-old mother, has been missing since December 14, 2023. She attended a party in Cerro and has not been heard from since. She resides in Párraga in the Havana municipality of Arroyo Naranjo.