The individuals responsible for the murder of a security guard at a Ministry of Sugar (MINAZ) agricultural farm in El Cristo, Santiago de Cuba, have been apprehended and have confessed to the crime, according to state-controlled sources. The regime-affiliated Facebook page "Heroes of Moncada" announced on Thursday the capture of the suspects, revealing that one of them was a colleague of the victim, Luis Mario Castillo.
Based on witness accounts from local residents and acquaintances of the victim, authorities were able to piece together the events leading to the crime and the subsequent arrest of the alleged perpetrators by MININT officers. The attack on the victim was both violent and unexpected, reportedly carried out by a coworker during his shift, with the intent to steal three oxen, slaughter them, and sell the meat.
The suspects, after being detained and admitting guilt, will face charges of murder, as noted by "Heroes of Moncada." "They will be brought before a court to face judgment and receive the harsh punishment that such a despicable crime warrants," the statement emphasized. Additionally, it was reported that two of the three stolen oxen were recovered and returned to the entity.
The slain security guard, Luis Mario Castillo, known locally as "Luis, la pulla," was about 54 years old and resided in the neighborhood of La Tordera in El Cristo, sources close to the victim informed CiberCuba. Castillo was employed as a security guard at a MINAZ cooperative, where he was fatally stabbed and strangled. His lifeless body was discovered by his coworkers around six in the morning, as confirmed to our outlet.
Previously, Castillo had worked in law enforcement and as a delivery man, distributing bread in various neighborhoods of the area. The rising tide of crime and violence in Cuba has become a significant concern among the population, prompting calls for stricter laws and harsher penalties, including the death penalty, especially for murderers.
In the past month, Santiago de Cuba has been shaken by the killings of two security guards who were attacked while on duty at a market and a private restaurant, with robbery as the motive. In late November, authorities captured the suspect responsible for both murders and an assault on a third guard, who survived.
This year has seen the murders of security guards at a notary public and a cooperative in Santiago de Cuba, a foreign currency store in Havana, and a grocery store in Ciego de Ávila. In some of these cases, robbery was identified as the motive.
Understanding the Rise in Crime in Santiago de Cuba
What happened to the security guard in El Cristo?
Luis Mario Castillo, a security guard at a MINAZ cooperative, was murdered by a coworker with the intent to steal and sell oxen. He was found dead after being stabbed and strangled.
Why is there an increase in crime in Santiago de Cuba?
The rise in crime, particularly robberies and murders, has sparked concern among Cubans, leading to demands for tougher laws and penalties. Economic hardships and a lack of resources may contribute to this trend.
What measures are being taken against crime in Cuba?
Authorities are being pressured to implement stricter laws and harsher penalties, including the death penalty, to address the increase in violent crimes and murders.