A man committed a double murder on Tuesday morning in the city of Cienfuegos after killing his wife first and then a storekeeper working at a nearby establishment. The victims have been identified as Ailen Tartabull and Víctor Manuel Ojeza Alpízar, a storekeeper known as "El Chino."
The double homicide, reportedly driven by jealousy, occurred on Avenue 50 between 43 and 45, where the alleged femicide lived with his wife, according to some sources. According to the most widely shared version on social media, after killing his wife, the man went to the store—apparently located next to their home—and killed Víctor Manuel Ojeda.
The alleged perpetrator, who fled the scene after committing the murders, has been identified as Adrián Cruz and has a young child with the murdered woman. "Apparently, years ago, Adrián had already stabbed his wife before they had their child," noted internet user Alicia Alonso on social media, adding that the suspected femicide had previously been imprisoned for another murder.
A recent post in the Facebook group "Denunciando Crímenes en Cuba" indicates the killer might be trying to leave the country by some means before being caught, with rumors suggesting he might have already escaped by boat. The alleged murderer is said to be in a strong financial position, owning a bar called "La Divina" and other businesses.
Community Reaction and Background
"I've heard that this isn't the first time this man has taken a life. His first victim was also his partner, whom he brutally killed, serving only six years in prison for the crime," wrote Irma Broek, the administrator of the aforementioned group, citing a source close to one of the victims. The source added that several of Adrián Cruz's partners experienced domestic violence.
The same post clarifies that the two deceased individuals had no romantic relationship and that the entire incident resulted from "malicious gossip." "That unfortunate man left great suffering in the families of the victims. Children are left alone when they needed their father and mother the most. I had the pleasure of knowing the victim, Víctor Manuel Ojeda Alpízar; he was my friend, a good man who only wanted to provide for his son and help others," wrote a friend of the murdered storekeeper on social media. "He was a good friend and father, and now he's no longer with us because of a despicable murderer who, on top of it all, fled after taking the lives of two innocent people," added the friend.
As of the close of this report, neither official media nor feminist platforms have commented on the double murder.
Details Surrounding the Double Murder in Cienfuegos
This section addresses common questions and concerns regarding the tragic double murder in Cienfuegos, providing clarity on aspects that may be confusing or unclear.
Who were the victims in the Cienfuegos double murder?
The victims were Ailen Tartabull and Víctor Manuel Ojeza Alpízar, a storekeeper known as "El Chino."
What motivated the double murder in Cienfuegos?
The double homicide was reportedly motivated by jealousy, according to sources.
Has the alleged murderer been identified?
Yes, the alleged murderer has been identified as Adrián Cruz.
What is the current status of the investigation?
As of now, the alleged murderer is still at large, with rumors suggesting he may have fled the country.