Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada has revealed further insights into the murder of Yiliannis Bueno Espinoza, a mother of two young girls from Santiago de Cuba, killed by her former partner. Mayeta reports that despite some claims suggesting the 29-year-old never had a romantic connection with the killer, known as Laly, evidence confirms they did have a past relationship, although her daughters were from a previous marriage.
"The murderer was apprehended just yesterday, although many describe him as a kind person with no prior legal troubles or history of domestic violence," the reporter shared on his Facebook page. Neighbors and family members of the victim indicate that even though their formal relationship had ended, Yiliannis maintained communication with Laly because he occasionally provided financial assistance.
"The murdered mother had begun seeing another man but continued to be in touch with her ex-partner, who reportedly felt inadequate and decided to attack her with premeditation," Mayeta explained.
Yiliannis was brutally attacked with a machete last Wednesday on the path of El Sur in the Tercer Frente municipality. After dropping her daughters off at school, she was ambushed by the assailant, who stabbed her in the chest. As she attempted to flee, he began to strangle her. She succumbed to her injuries on the way to the local clinic due to the severe wound inflicted on her heart.
The Observatorio de Género of the magazine Alas Tensas (OGAT) confirmed the femicide of Bueno on Thursday, as well as another woman's murder in the province of Holguín. This raises the count of gender-based violence incidents in Cuba to 53 for 2024, according to records from independent Cuban platforms.
Understanding the Rise in Gender-Based Violence in Cuba
What were the circumstances leading to Yiliannis Bueno Espinoza's murder?
Yiliannis was killed by her former partner, Laly, who attacked her with a machete after she dropped off her daughters at school. Despite their relationship having ended, she continued to communicate with him for financial reasons.
How many cases of gender-based violence have been reported in Cuba in 2024?
According to independent Cuban platforms, there have been 53 reported cases of gender-based violence in Cuba in 2024.