A 21-year-old Cuban man was tragically murdered on Friday in the town of San Germán, located in the province of Holguín. The incident has deeply shocked his family and friends, while also reigniting the debate on public safety in Cuba.
José Manuel Martínez was fatally attacked around midnight on Friday in an apparent robbery for his bicycle and cellphone, as reported by the Facebook page "La Tijera." According to the same source, the suspected perpetrators are "two criminals with a history of offenses known as 'Los Mellizos de Felicia'," although no details were provided on whether they have been apprehended.
The murder of José has left the residents of San Germán in a state of mourning. A friend commemorated him with heartfelt words on Facebook, calling for justice for his untimely death. "My child, today heaven is happy; it has another little angel. I don't know why this happened to you; you were just a young boy starting to live your life," wrote user Aleidys Yaneya Cruz Romero.
"Neither your friends nor your family will ever forget you. We will always remember the happy and joyful José. I still can't believe it! I will always remember you, how you used to lovingly tease me and say things. My heart is in pieces," she added, urging José to shine brightly from heaven.
The comments section of the post saw numerous expressions of grief over the tragic event. "It's not easy, so much pain for all of us who knew him. Rest in peace, my child," one user commented. "Brother, you left us, but I know God will welcome you into His kingdom. For me, you never left, because you will always be in my heart," another user expressed. "No words can describe the immense pain you leave behind. Rest in peace, my child. Condolences to his family and friends. A big hug to heaven," another person emphasized.
Rising Violence in San Germán
The impact of this crime goes beyond San Germán, sparking discussions on the increasing violence in the country. Recently, the town witnessed a violent robbery that resulted in a family being held hostage for an hour. The victims included a woman, her husband, and a minor grandson. The assailants tied them up and stole an MZ motorcycle, the woman's gold chain and earrings, various appliances, and government-rationed food.
In another incident in Holguín, a beloved physical education teacher, Gilberto Laffita, was murdered during an attempted robbery at his residence in the Peralta neighborhood of the city.
A particularly horrifying crime occurred on the morning of August 24th when two women, who were neighbors, and their two children—one of whom was just four years old—were brutally killed. The quadruple murder caused such a stir that even the official press, usually silent on severe crimes, had no choice but to respond.
Questions and Answers about Violence in Cuba
The rising crime rates in Cuba, particularly in areas like San Germán and Holguín, have raised many questions among the public. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more context and information.
What happened to José Manuel Martínez?
José Manuel Martínez was murdered around midnight on Friday in San Germán, Holguín, in a robbery where his bicycle and cellphone were stolen.
Who are the suspected perpetrators of the crime?
The suspects are reportedly two criminals known as 'Los Mellizos de Felicia,' who have a history of offenses. It is unclear if they have been apprehended.
How has the local community reacted to the murder?
The local community of San Germán has been deeply affected, with many expressing their grief and calling for justice on social media.
Has violence been increasing in San Germán and Holguín?
Yes, there have been multiple violent incidents recently, including a family being held hostage during a robbery and the murder of a physical education teacher in Holguín.