Murder in Aguacate, Santiago de Cuba, After Marijuana Farm Discovery

Jorge Luis Heredia Cala (April 27, 1973 - March 15, 2024), known as Jorgito, was murdered this past March around eight in the evening, just shy of his 51st birthday. He lost his life while walking through an alley in the town of Aguacate, in Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba, the same town where a young mother of three was also killed this week.

The confessed killer, Yacel Segura, alias Tatico, served only five months in provisional detention. He claimed to the authorities that he had thrown a stone intending to hit an owl, but it struck Jorgito in the head, leading to his death. Medical assistance from both the Contramaestre and provincial capital hospitals proved futile. The forensic report indicated additional injuries that were overlooked during the trial. Sources close to the victim stated that Jorgito received "repeated blows" to the head with "a precise object," as seen in a sensitive photograph obtained by CiberCuba, which will not be published due to its graphic nature.

Days before his death, Jorgito had discovered a marijuana plantation in the middle of the forest, a discovery that ultimately cost him his life. In this small town where everyone knows each other, the crime remains unresolved, with no one held accountable. Jorgito had been lifelong friends with Tatico, his confessed killer. It is well-known that Tatico did not act alone but was accompanied by another person known in the town as "Hombre."

The events escalated after Jorgito discovered the marijuana field and told Tatico, in front of witnesses, "I know what you have planted," allegedly asking for compensation to keep quiet. Uncertain that what he found was indeed marijuana, Jorgito brought a sample to the town, where it was confirmed. Julián, the sector chief of Aguacate, was aware of this detail. He informed the victim's family that he had requested reinforcements to dismantle the marijuana farm after Jorgito's death but received no support and dared not go alone for fear of being killed.

Everyone in the town knows the story. The victim’s family believes Julián is not involved in any corruption or bribery, as he was the one who extracted the confession from Tatico. However, he was powerless to dismantle the marijuana field or to persuade the judges to question Tatico's defense, which claimed Jorgito's death was accidental when he threw a stone at an owl. The judges ignored the other injuries present on Jorgito's body when he was rushed to Contramaestre, following a neighbor, Ana María Iglesias Cañete, running out and screaming that Jorgito had been killed in the alley.

"There are witnesses who saw what happened but are now reluctant to speak. Whether they've been bribed or are simply afraid, I don't know," said a family member. Initially, they approached the family and detailed everything they saw. Witnesses mentioned that a citizen named Arnolis went to the house of Juancito, Jorgito's friend, and told him that someone was looking for him outside. Trusting, as he had no enemies or debts, Jorgito went out. He was met further down the road by Tatico and Hombre, who were together. Later, it was reported that someone ran ahead, claiming Jorgito had been left dead on the path.

The entire town witnessed the events, but as the saying goes, "small town, big hell." No one has come forward to denounce the killers. However, rumors suggest that since Tatico is married to the daughter of Julio A. Cuevas Pacheco, a prominent landowner in the area, substantial sums were paid to secure his release.

In the end, Jorgito is dead, and Tatico walks freely around town without fear of repercussions. A similar case occurred in Havana with the murder of young Maykel Sablón Bisec, who was strangled three years ago while fishing alone, with his murderer still at large.

This case has resurfaced following another murder in the town this week, that of young Arianni Céspedes, who was fatally stabbed by her ex-partner in front of two young children, leaving them traumatized.

The shock in Aguacate is indescribable. Three murders in less than a year have led many residents to believe they live in a lawless place, a sentiment they have publicly expressed. Violence marked the end of summer in Cuba, with at least 22 murders in August alone across 11 provinces, including a mass killing in Ciego de Ávila and three femicides, according to the latest monthly report from Cubalex.