A tragic altercation on Sunday at the Ranchón Cohiba restaurant, located in the San Luis municipality of Pinar del Río, resulted in the death of one man and left at least two others injured. This event has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, where conflicting accounts of the incident have emerged. Photos shared online have shocked users with their graphic depiction of the violent encounter.
According to ‘De Pinar Soy’, a pro-government Facebook page, the deceased—identified as Yoandry, around 38 years old and a local resident—was fatally stabbed three times during an altercation. Two other individuals were reported to have sustained minor injuries. Local law enforcement has arrested three suspects and is actively searching for a potential fourth. The surviving injured parties are not in life-threatening condition.
The same Facebook page has refuted circulating rumors of a supposed massacre, clarifying that the primary attacker was not on parole and labeling such claims as "informational manipulation." They also emphasized the swift police response in controlling the situation and making arrests.
However, the independent news outlet ‘LaTijera’ provided a more sensational account on their X page, describing the event as a "bloodbath." This version suggests the alleged attacker, driven by a fit of jealousy, attacked multiple individuals with a knife, resulting in at least one death and several injuries, including one person in critical condition. The post also claimed that the assailant remains at large, contradicting the narrative from ‘De Pinar Soy’.
Reports on social media indicate the existence of a video capturing the incident, though it has not been publicly released due to its sensitive content and to avoid breaching community guidelines.
As of now, no official statement has been made by authorities, nor has the state media covered the incident, leaving room for speculation on social media. The tragic event has left the San Luis community in shock.
Rising Crime in Pinar del Río: A Reflection of Cuba's Violence Surge
The growing violence in Pinar del Río has been a source of concern for residents. In December 2024, a man was killed during a robbery of his electric bicycle in the same province. Additionally, in October 2024, the community was shaken when a missing motorcyclist was found dead under unclear circumstances. Moreover, a machete attack in March 2024 resulted in fatalities and injuries in Guane, Pinar del Río, highlighting the severity of violent incidents in the area.
Key Questions about Pinar del Río's Recent Violent Events
What sparked the violent incident at Ranchón Cohiba?
The incident was reportedly triggered by an altercation, with one account suggesting it was motivated by jealousy.
How did the police respond to the incident?
Local authorities quickly detained three suspects and are searching for a fourth, effectively managing to control the situation.
What are the differing narratives regarding the incident?
‘De Pinar Soy’ downplayed the severity, while ‘LaTijera’ described it as a horrific "bloodbath," with conflicting accounts on the attacker's status.