A young Cuban motorcyclist identified on social media as Leonel Camacho was the victim of an attempted murder on the Punta Gorda Highway, a secluded area with little traffic in Santiago de Cuba.
Details of the Attack
According to reports obtained by local journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook, the attack was carried out by a neighborhood acquaintance who tried to steal his motorcycle. The victim's sister explained that the assailant asked Leonel to take him to pick up an errand, and while there, Leonel was distracted by his phone when he was ambushed from behind.
The attacker "slashed his neck from side to side with a knife," the sister recounted. Despite the severity of the attack, Leonel managed to escape and seek help. "Thank God he was able to run, and when he reached a place with people, they assisted him," she said, which saved his life.
Medical Attention and Aftermath
Leonel was immediately taken to the Joaquín Castillo Duany Military Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, where he received medical attention. "He now has a severe neck wound, and the assailant's mother came to ask us not to report him to the police," the sister commented.
According to the report, the assailant’s mother—identified as Jorge Luis Moncada from the Santa Bárbara neighborhood—turned her son over to authorities that same night. After committing the attack, Moncada took the motorcycle to his house and surrendered to the police.
Leonel's family, who are awaiting his recovery in the hospital, demand that the full weight of the law be imposed on Moncada. "He should pay because just as he did this to my brother, he could do it to others," the victim's sister asserted.
Rising Violence in Santiago de Cuba
"Every day, Santiago de Cuba witnesses violent acts, and the authorities' responses are inadequate," the family denounced, highlighting that violence and criminals are taking over the region while authorities remain inactive.
On the eve of this incident, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the increase in violence, crime, and drug-related offenses on the island.
Understanding the Crime Wave in Santiago de Cuba
To provide more clarity on the situation in Santiago de Cuba and its rising crime, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Who is responsible for the attempted murder of Leonel Camacho?
The assailant was identified as Jorge Luis Moncada, a known acquaintance from the Santa Bárbara neighborhood.
Where did the attack on Leonel Camacho take place?
The attack occurred on the Punta Gorda Highway, a secluded area in Santiago de Cuba.
What actions did the assailant take after the attack?
After the attack, Jorge Luis Moncada took the motorcycle to his house and later surrendered to the police, with his mother turning him in.
How is the local community reacting to the rising violence?
The community is highly critical of the authorities, stating that the response to violent acts is inadequate and that criminals are increasingly dominating the region.