Ernesto Figueredo Alarcón, a 23-year-old Cuban who was fighting for his life after being shot in a strange incident last week at his own home by a friend and neighbor who is a police officer, has passed away.
In recent hours, those close to the young man have reacted with profound sorrow on social media.
"What an unfair way you left us. You didn't deserve this, my son. Why, my boy, with a whole life ahead of you and it was taken away like this? My God, nothing, nothing, will repair your loss, the immense pain we all feel who knew you and won't be able to see you again," wrote Delia Ramírez on social media.
She added that she will always remember her friend as someone "cheerful and happy" who never harmed anyone. "My brother, rest in peace. You fought until the very last minute. I know it. I still can't believe it, we had so many plans. It's not fair, justice for you, my little brother. I love you so much. You were the brother I never had," wrote another grieving friend, identified as Josh González, in a heart-wrenching farewell on social media.
On July 19, Ernesto Figueredo Alarcón was shot in his own home in the Rosa La Bayamesa neighborhood by a friend who works as a police officer and lives upstairs. According to the family, who spoke to the independent website CubaNet, the incident occurred last Friday around 6:10 pm when the two were alone in a room talking. There were no problems or arguments between them when the shot was heard.
Following the tragic event, the shooter—known as "Chucho"—was detained. However, according to the same outlet, authorities have yet to inform the young man's family about the shooter's statement regarding what happened.
Ernesto was admitted to intensive care at the General Provincial Hospital Carlos Manuel de Céspedes with a diagnosis of brain death. He had a bullet lodged in his brain. In a previous social media post, Delia Ramírez denied that the person involved was a sector chief but did question why "Chucho" had a firearm, as he was a person with mental health issues. "He used to work in the anti-vector campaign, then took a course, became a police officer, and was given a weapon, despite not being in his right mind," she lamented.
According to Delia, there was a witness at the time of the shooting: Ernesto's six-year-old nephew. "How it happened and why, only they know. Ernesto can't tell us, Chucho doesn't want to talk, and the child is too traumatized by what he saw," she emphasized.
As of the close of this report, no further details about the tragic incident have been released. Official state media has yet to comment on the matter.
Key Questions About the Tragic Incident in Bayamo
Given the serious nature of this incident, several questions arise regarding what transpired and the circumstances surrounding it. Here are some key inquiries and the answers based on available information.
Who was Ernesto Figueredo Alarcón?
Ernesto Figueredo Alarcón was a 23-year-old Cuban who tragically died after being shot by a friend and neighbor who is a police officer.
What happened on July 19 in Rosa La Bayamesa?
On July 19, Ernesto was shot in his home by a friend who is a police officer. The incident occurred around 6:10 pm while they were alone in a room talking.
Why is the shooter, "Chucho," a controversial figure?
"Chucho" is controversial because he has mental health issues yet was given a firearm after becoming a police officer. This has raised concerns about the vetting process for armed officers.
What is the current status of the investigation?
As of now, authorities have not provided the family with the shooter's statement about what happened, and official state media has not commented on the incident.