A new murder adds to the severe wave of violence plaguing Cuba, as a man fatally stabbed his neighbor in Santa Clara. The victim, identified as Ramón Liván Cuéllar Gallardo, was 57 years old and lived on A Street, between First and Second, in the La Virginia neighborhood.
The crime occurred last Sunday, and the perpetrator has confessed. The assailant, identified as Yovany Mondelo, had a prior dispute with the deceased. "He stalked him, broke into his house, and stabbed him three times. He murdered him in cold blood," reported Niover Licea (Nio reporting a crime) on Instagram.
The Facebook group "Desaparecidos dentro de Cuba, somos tu voz!!!" also shared a photograph of Mondelo, who is now in police custody.
In March, a high-ranking official from the Attorney General's Office denied any increase in murders in Cuba, attempting to shift the focus to social media and its broader reach. Beatriz de la Peña La O, head of the Department of Investigation of the Directorate of Criminal Processes, asserted that criminal violence, including crimes of murder, homicide, assault, robbery with violence, and sexual assault, has not increased.
According to the prosecutor, there is a false perception of rising crime rates due to increased visibility on social media and the growing number of Internet users.
Understanding the Rise in Violence in Cuba
This section provides answers to common questions regarding the recent surge in violence in Cuba, especially in the context of the Santa Clara stabbing incident.
Who was the victim in the Santa Clara stabbing?
The victim was Ramón Liván Cuéllar Gallardo, a 57-year-old resident of the La Virginia neighborhood.
Who is the suspect in the Santa Clara murder?
The suspect is Yovany Mondelo, a neighbor who had a prior dispute with the victim.
Has crime increased in Cuba according to official sources?
According to Beatriz de la Peña La O from the Attorney General's Office, crime rates have not increased, but social media has made incidents more visible.