The shocking murder of three individuals—a woman and two men—in Centro Habana has sent ripples through the community, adding to the already troubling surge of violence sweeping across Cuba. Despite the silence from authorities and state-run media, new revelations have emerged. Martí Noticias spoke with Mayda Valido, daughter and sister of two of the victims, who shared heart-wrenching details about the crime that has devastated her family. She lost her mother, Soraida Águila, 86, and her brother, Danilo Valido Águila, 62, on that tragic night, along with a family friend named José Miguel. All were found suffocated last week in a home on San José Street between Espada and San Francisco.
"They smothered my mother with a pillow, my brother with a towel, and José Miguel in a similar manner. The killers did not carry firearms," Mayda recounted in the Cuban capital, having traveled from the United States in the wake of the unexpected tragedy.
Robbery: The Apparent Motive Behind the Heinous Act
The motive for the brutal murders appears to have been robbery. "They took my brother's safe and other belongings," Mayda revealed about the incident that took place near Parque Trillo, a well-known gathering spot in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood.
The crime was uncovered thanks to the persistence of Mayda and her sister, who, unable to reach their loved ones, urged neighbors to check the residence. "It was terrible to find out this way. My brother was always helping others; he had no enemies. To make matters worse, the killers were people he knew," she said, overwhelmed with grief.
Swift Police Action Highlights Rising Crime Concerns
"The police were very efficient. From the first day they discovered the bodies, the entire police force was there, and within 24 hours, they caught the murderers. People do terrible things for money because there's such a severe shortage, and my brother was an angel, always helping everyone," Mayda told the media outlet.
The rapid response by law enforcement led to the arrest of the suspects in less than a day. However, this tragedy underscores the alarming rise in crime on the island, which was once considered a safe haven. According to Martí Noticias, a report by the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory noted a 152% increase in criminal activity in recent months, closely tied to the nation's economic crisis.
The funeral for the three victims was held with minimal fanfare due to the advanced decomposition of the bodies. Meanwhile, families grapple with their grief, and the Cuban community faces the grim reality of living in a country increasingly plagued by violence and despair.