The Cuban police have apprehended the main suspect in the stabbing deaths of two individuals during a violent altercation last Saturday, October 26, in Cienfuegos. The victims have been identified as 31-year-old Ricardo Vladimir Fortes and 17-year-old Raúl Antonio Artiz Suárez del Villar, both of whom succumbed to injuries inflicted by sharp weapons.
The Facebook page "Las Cosas de Fernanda," linked to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), disclosed that the two were involved in a senseless brawl that escalated into a chaotic scene at a location known as La Plaza in Cienfuegos' capital. Although they were rushed to the hospital, medical efforts to save them were unsuccessful.
"Contrary to rumors, these were not machete attacks, nor are there other youths in critical condition. The injuries were caused by cutting instruments wielded by the killer, who cleverly hid them in a purse carried by one of the girls accompanying him. This cunning tactic is now used by certain criminals to avoid police detection. Since authorities often refrain from thoroughly searching females, they exploit this loophole," the report explained.
Community Impact and Official Response
All involved, including the murderer, have been detained, and investigations are ongoing, emphasized the report. The post's author admitted to not knowing the fight's cause but noted that "high levels of alcohol acted as an intoxicant." Friends of young Raúl Artiz shared that he lost his life trying to defend a friend.
Earlier this month, the Cuban government claimed that crime rates are declining on the island, though they acknowledged that the public remains unconvinced. This perception is fueled by daily online reports of violent incidents across the country.
Statistics presented by the Ministry of the Interior to Prime Minister Manuel Marrero during a meeting of the Task Force for crime prevention and enforcement indicated that while crime records remained high through the end of August, incidents had decreased compared to the same period last year. "Although there is progress in some areas and indicators, the people have yet to see the results... some trends suggest that our efforts are beginning to show outcomes, but these will only be evident when the public can perceive them," stated Marrero Cruz.
Despite this acknowledgment, Vice President of the Supreme Court Maricela Sosa Ravelo recently claimed that the perceived insecurity on the island is exaggerated by social media and accused the United States of promoting defamatory campaigns.