Shocked by the horrific crime that shook Cuba this weekend, the residents of Ceballos in Ciego de Ávila bid a final farewell this Sunday to the four murder victims: a child, a teenager, and their mothers.
Videos uploaded to social media show the funeral procession escorting the bodies of Richard Dariel Núñez, aged four; Lester Rivadeneira Rodríguez, aged 17; Yamila Reyes Tamayo, aged 29; and Raysa Rodríguez Pérez de Corcho, aged 50, to the local cemetery. They were killed on Saturday morning during a suspected robbery attempt at a home.
Residents of the town accompanied the families, friends, and acquaintances of the deceased in the funeral procession through the streets of Ceballos. Meanwhile, on Sunday, three suspects were reportedly detained for their alleged involvement in the multiple murders.
The independent newspaper CubaNet reported that police arrested brothers Luis Enrique and Leudys Romero Daudinot, and Esnel Fonseca, who are allegedly connected to the crime. So far, Cuban authorities have not released official information regarding the arrests related to this gruesome event, which has plunged two Cuban families and an entire community into mourning.
The incident occurred in the "old bakery" neighborhood of Ceballos between six and seven in the morning on Saturday. According to a neighbor who spoke to CubaNet, the thieves hid in an abandoned house across from the home where the crime was committed. They waited for the father of one of the families to leave for work on his farm before entering the home, allegedly to steal money from sales.
Inside the house were his wife and their young son, who were both brutally attacked and killed by the intruders. According to relatives of the victims, a neighbor and her teenage son responded to the calls for help from the mother and child but were also murdered.
This crime has sparked a wave of outrage and condemnation in the locality and across Cuban society, which is living in fear due to the relentless rise in violence in the country and the authorities' inability to curtail it.
Key Questions About the Ceballos Crime
The tragic events in Ceballos have left many with questions about the crime and the broader implications for safety in Cuba. Here are some of the most pressing questions and their answers.
Who were the victims of the Ceballos crime?
The victims were Richard Dariel Núñez, aged four; Lester Rivadeneira Rodríguez, aged 17; Yamila Reyes Tamayo, aged 29; and Raysa Rodríguez Pérez de Corcho, aged 50.
Have any suspects been arrested in connection to the crime?
Yes, police have reportedly arrested brothers Luis Enrique and Leudys Romero Daudinot, and Esnel Fonseca, who are allegedly involved in the crime.
What triggered the crime in Ceballos?
The crime was reportedly triggered by an attempted robbery at a home, where the thieves intended to steal money from sales.
How has the community reacted to the crime?
The community has reacted with outrage and condemnation, highlighting the fear and insecurity caused by the rising violence in Cuba.