Alieski Martínez Ferrer is still evading law enforcement after allegedly committing the tragic murder of his five-year-old son, Edgar Aliesky Martínez Torres, in Minas, Camagüey. This horrific event, reportedly a case of vicarious femicide, took place on November 26.
According to reports, Martínez Ferrer took the child from the maternal grandmother's home with the premeditated intention of ending his life. He then strangled the boy and fled the scene. During his escape, he assaulted a pregnant woman on her way to a medical appointment, sexually assaulted her, and stole her cellphone. The victim is currently in critical condition at the Hospital Materno in Camagüey.
Keilin Torres Varela, the boy's mother, has voiced her grief and demand for justice on social media platforms: "This man must pay. He killed my innocent baby. He's armed and extremely dangerous. Please, if anyone sees him, report it immediately. This cannot go unpunished," she expressed, as cited by independent journalist Alberto Arego on Facebook. The mother also mentioned that she is under police protection due to threats made by Martínez Ferrer to harm her as well.
Community in Fear and Seeking Justice
Residents in the area are living in fear, particularly in rural regions where it is believed Martínez Ferrer might be hiding. They have harshly criticized the authorities for their lack of action. "The police haven't done anything yet. We're terrified, and this man is roaming the hills. We need him captured immediately," a local of Minas stated.
The community has taken to social media to make the case go viral, hoping that this will pressure authorities to ramp up their search efforts and bring the suspect to justice. Journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, reporting for Cubanet, suggested that the crime might have been motivated by Torres Varela’s refusal to resume her relationship with Martínez Ferrer. Additionally, neighbors claim that he had previously attempted to kill her.
A Disturbing Pattern of Domestic Violence
This incident is not isolated. Recently, Cuba was shaken by another filicide when a 17-year-old boy was killed by his father in Las Tunas, highlighting a troubling trend of domestic violence on the island.
Feminist groups, like Alas Tensas, have labeled the child's murder as a vicarious femicide, a term used to describe violence against children or others to inflict psychological harm on women.
FAQs on the Tragic Infanticide in Minas, Camagüey
What is vicarious femicide?
Vicarious femicide refers to acts of violence against third parties, often children, as a means to psychologically harm women.
What actions are authorities taking to capture Martínez Ferrer?
As of now, residents have criticized the authorities for their perceived lack of action. The community is urging them to intensify their search efforts.
How has the community responded to this incident?
The community has expressed fear and frustration, urging for justice and taking to social media to spread awareness and pressure authorities.