Cuban authorities have yet to apprehend Adrián Cruz Hidalgo, the man who allegedly killed his wife and a young storekeeper in Cienfuegos on May 30. Adrián remains a fugitive, and neighbors speculate he might have already left the country due to his substantial economic means, as he owns several businesses.
A Facebook user, Aguada Informer, shared Adrián's photo and urged anyone who sees him to contact the police. The victims were identified as Ailen Tartabull and Víctor Manuel Ojeza Alpízar, a 35-year-old storekeeper known as "El Chino". The double homicide was allegedly driven by jealousy, although Aguada Informer notes that the motives remain unclear.
According to the most widely circulated version on social media, Adrián killed his partner at their home on Avenida 50 between 43 and 45, in the La Gloria neighborhood. He then went to the nearby store and murdered Víctor. "It is presumed that Adrián had previously stabbed his wife Aylen years ago before they had a child together, who is currently attending primary school," the report states. The woman also had another child from a previous relationship. On the other hand, Víctor was the father of a 12-year-old boy.
Irma Broek, the administrator of the Facebook group "Denouncing Crimes in Cuba", revealed that this was not the first time Adrián had taken someone's life. "His first victim was also his partner, whom he brutally murdered, and he only served six years in prison for the crime," she wrote, citing a source close to one of the current victims, who added that several of Adrián's ex-partners experienced domestic violence.
The same post clarified that the two deceased had no romantic relationship and that the incident resulted from "malicious gossip." So far, neither the authorities in Cienfuegos nor official media outlets have commented on the case.
Key Questions About the Cienfuegos Double Murder
In light of the tragic events in Cienfuegos, several pressing questions have arisen. Here are some of the most pertinent inquiries and their answers.
What are the identities of the victims?
The victims were identified as Ailen Tartabull and Víctor Manuel Ojeza Alpízar, a 35-year-old storekeeper known as "El Chino".
What was the suspected motive behind the murders?
The murders were allegedly driven by jealousy, although the exact motives remain unclear.
Has Adrián Cruz Hidalgo committed similar crimes before?
Yes, Adrián Cruz Hidalgo's first victim was also his partner, whom he brutally murdered, and he only served six years in prison for that crime.
What actions have been taken by authorities and the media?
So far, neither the authorities in Cienfuegos nor official media outlets have commented on the case.