Lázaro Miyares Escalona, a 25-year-old Cuban resident of Bayamo in Granma province, was fatally stabbed last Sunday night in the busy promenade of the municipality. Odalys Silva, who identified herself on social media as the victim's cousin, stated in a comment that the young man was killed "while leaving work, defending a coworker," though she did not provide further details about the circumstances of the crime.
In another viral post from the Facebook group Revolico Bayamo, Deylin Rosales explained that the young man, known as "Lachi" to his friends, had left work and was having a drink with his girlfriend. When they were leaving, after a brief exchange of words, several individuals attacked him, and one stabbed him.
"Events like these: read... 9:37 pm: He left work and was having a drink with Yesica at EGREM. When they were leaving, the assailant said, 'What?' and Lázaro replied, 'What?' Then the attacker and three others started hitting him. When his friend lifted him, one of them stabbed him," Rosales described.
"To this innocent kid, in our Bayamo promenade. I hope authorities bring the full weight of the law upon him. They didn't respect the promenade, with so many kids at the ice cream parlor, young people, teenagers. What example does this set? 25 years is too young. After four stabs, he arrived dead at our hospital... a tragic Sunday where a young man leaves home and is returned to his mother dead," Rosales added.
Deylin Rosales stated that 30 years of imprisonment without parole would be just for the murderer.
Among the more than 1,200 comments on the post, hundreds of people have expressed their shock over the crime and are calling for severe punishments for murder. Several commenters pointed out that the perpetrators were under the influence of drugs and later didn't even remember what had happened. However, it is not yet confirmed whether those involved in the incident have been detained by the police.
"How long, Cuba, will you allow crime to run rampant? Are we to kill each other? To come home and be told that a son, brother, cousin, or friend has been murdered? How long must we allow someone to be killed for defending another who is defenseless?" questioned the young man's cousin, Odalys Silva, in another post.
"How long must we see a mother suffer because of a scoundrel? How long, my God? Cuba is no longer a safe place," Silva added, calling for justice on behalf of the family, so the crime does not go unpunished.
On social media, numerous expressions of grief and sadness from friends and family highlight that the deceased young man was a good person. "I really don't have words to express what I feel. Unfortunately, the death of a friend is one of the most painful and devastating experiences we can face in life. The feeling of emptiness and loss left by their absence is overwhelming, and the deep pain that settles in the heart seems endless. Each shared memory, each shared laugh, becomes a precious treasure that we cherish with love, holding onto the hope that one day we will meet again," wrote Camilo Pérez, one of the young man's friends, in a heartfelt post.
"Sadness and melancholy overwhelm us, reminding us how fragile and fleeting human existence can be. The departure of a friend leaves an unfillable void, and we face the difficult task of learning to live with the absence of their physical presence, but always present in our hearts. Rest in peace, Lachi," he added.
Until the closure of this note, no further details have emerged about the tragic death. At the end of June, the Cuban government acknowledged a concerning rise in criminal violence on the island, including the use of firearms. According to statements by Colonel Eddy Sierra Arias, head of the National Revolutionary Police General Directorate, criminal activities are linked to several factors, including smuggling from abroad, drug trafficking, and the movement of both national and foreign citizens that negatively impact the country's security.
Sierra Arias also noted the deterioration of certain ethical values contributing to the increase in criminal activity. Additionally, he highlighted the involvement of young people and minors in these criminal acts, emphasizing that many are disconnected from education and work, further exacerbating the situation.
Rising Crime and Safety in Cuba
In light of the recent tragic incident in Bayamo, many questions arise about the state of safety and crime in Cuba. Here, we address some of the pressing questions regarding this issue.
What are the main factors contributing to the rise in crime in Cuba?
According to Colonel Eddy Sierra Arias, factors such as smuggling from abroad, drug trafficking, and the movement of both national and foreign citizens are major contributors to the rise in criminal activities in Cuba.
How has the Cuban government responded to the increase in violence?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the rise in criminal violence and is focusing on addressing the factors contributing to it, including the deterioration of ethical values and the involvement of young people and minors in criminal acts.
What measures are being taken to ensure public safety?
Authorities are likely increasing efforts to curb smuggling, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities, although details on specific measures have not been fully disclosed.