A 30-year-old Cuban man was tragically killed last Friday in Havana during a violent robbery that has left a family in mourning and friends and acquaintances in shock. Enmanuel Rosales, originally from the province of Ciego de Ávila and residing in the Cuban capital, was stabbed near the Bus Terminal located in Plaza de la Revolución while on his way home to the town of Cojímar.
The young man, an employee at a hotel in El Vedado, was attacked for his cell phone and money, according to reports circulating on social media. His body was laid to rest at a funeral home in Alamar, in East Havana.
The murder of Enmanuel has deeply affected his friends and acquaintances, who have expressed their shock and sorrow over his untimely death. One of his friends created a video tribute, remembering Enmanuel in various aspects of his life. “My friend and brother, this video is a farewell; I will miss your smile, those crazy audio messages. It's unfair how they took the life of such a noble, generous person. I hope the culprits face justice. It's hard to believe someone could be killed for a worthless phone and three pesos, and the culprits are still free on the streets. Justice,” wrote Yasniel Rivera in several groups for people from Ciego de Ávila on Facebook.
“We are all deeply saddened, those of us who watched him grow up, and we share the family's pain. Enmanuel, rest in peace,” commented another user. Former classmates also expressed their grief over the young man's death. “I know how good of a person he was; we studied together. May God receive him in His holy glory,” stated one user. Another person remarked on their disbelief, noting that they had been friends since childhood. “It's heartbreaking how lives are taken from such noble and humble people like Enmanuel. What is Cuba becoming?”
“So much sadness and pain that such things happen to good people like Enmanuel, who was a great friend and an excellent person. My deepest condolences to his family. May God hold him in His holy glory, and may the culprits be quickly apprehended and punished as they deserve,” added another individual.
Memories of Enmanuel often return to his life in the town of Aeropuerto, as many have mentioned, or to his time working at Playa Pilar in the hotels of the northern keys of Ciego de Ávila. “My friend, it can't be. You were such a good person. Why is life so unfair to the best of us? You were the only one who taught me, the only one who supported me when no one else would, and when I needed it the most,” recalled user Betty Laura in a post, accompanied by a photo of the deceased.
Enmanuel's murder adds to the growing crime rate and violent robberies in Cuba. On that same Friday, another young man, 21-year-old José Manuel Martínez, was killed in San Germán, in the province of Holguín, during a robbery for his bicycle and phone. His alleged killer, another young man with a criminal record, claimed he did it because he was "desperate, needed money, and that kid was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Each of these incidents has prompted the public to call on authorities to prevent further deaths and the rise in violence. However, despite the regime's efforts to counter the reports from independent media with their online trolls, the reality is that the police's actions are insufficient, and the population in Cuba faces not only shortages and a lack of freedoms but also a growing fear of walking the streets safely.
FAQs on Rising Violence and Crime in Cuba
In light of the recent violent incidents in Cuba, many people have questions about the situation and what is being done to address it. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What happened to Enmanuel Rosales in Havana?
Enmanuel Rosales was stabbed to death near the Bus Terminal in Plaza de la Revolución while heading home. The motive for the attack was to steal his cell phone and money.
How has the community reacted to Enmanuel's death?
Friends, family, and acquaintances have expressed their shock and sorrow. Many have shared tributes and memories of Enmanuel, calling for justice for his murder.
Is violent crime increasing in Cuba?
Yes, incidents of violent crime and robbery appear to be on the rise, as evidenced by the recent murders of Enmanuel Rosales and José Manuel Martínez.
What measures are being taken to address the violence?
The public is calling on authorities to take action to prevent further violence. However, there is widespread concern that the police's efforts are insufficient to address the growing problem.