A grieving Cuban mother has taken to social media to voice her outrage over the murder of her son in Havana, expressing frustration over the authorities' failure to prevent the tragedy despite her prior warning to the police.
On February 22, rising singer Rayne Paisan Dales, also known as Kamikacy, was killed at 9:00 p.m. in the Fraternidad neighborhood of Arroyo Naranjo, Havana. His mother, Tania Dales, claims he was attacked by several members from the García family, locally infamous as Los Cachita.
Dales insists the death could have been avoided had the police responded to her earlier report. "We went to the police on Saturday morning to file a report to prevent this, but they ignored us, citing excuses like the lack of vehicles and fuel. In the end, this cost my son, my only child, his life," she lamented on Facebook.
Following the heartbreaking incident, the family handed over knives as evidence to the authorities. However, as of her social media post, they had yet to receive any official response. "Two suspects are under police watch at the hospital, while the others remain on the run," Dales noted.
In a subsequent message, she questioned the authorities' inaction: "How long does it take to find someone when all the necessary information is available? I will not stop until there's justice for my son."
The case has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with friends, family, and acquaintances expressing their grief and demanding justice. "No one has the right to take a life. Let divine justice and karma deal with them," commented one user.
"What they did was terrible; we saw him grow up, and he was loved by everyone," another person mourned. "He will always live among us. He earned the affection of his community," added another.
Many have criticized the police's lack of response to the murder. "If it were someone protesting against the regime, the police would have arrived within minutes, but for this, they have no fuel or patrols," commented a user. "Now say 'Down with Díaz-Canel,' and watch how quickly cars, fuel, and police show up," another message criticized, highlighting the authorities' inaction.
Others expressed concerns over the rising insecurity on the island. "We want justice. We can't continue living in fear; this can't keep happening," exclaimed another user.
Rising Violence and Insecurity in Cuba
For months, Cuba has been grappling with a wave of violence that has alarmed the population and highlighted the increasing insecurity across the island.
Recently in Bayamo, a thief was caught after threatening a young woman with scissors and stealing her phone in broad daylight. Similarly, on February 14 in Granma, bus driver Antonio Díaz Méndez was fatally stabbed during a robbery attempt while waiting for transportation to work. In the same province, two individuals were arrested in Majibacoa at the end of the month for attacking a guard and stealing animals from a cooperative, underscoring the economic crisis's role in escalating crime.
In Artemisa, a couple endured a terrifying ordeal when they were ambushed by masked assailants on the road linking the provincial capital with Lincoln. The attack was thwarted thanks to a farmer armed with a machete, sparking debate on the need for citizen protection given the police's inadequate response. Days earlier in Havana, a child was assaulted on his way to school in San Miguel del Padrón, raising alarms about the vulnerability of minors to crime.
Femicide remains a significant issue on the island. Recently, the murders of two elderly women, Bertha and Julia Safón Álvarez, were confirmed, increasing the number of femicides to five in 2025. The victims were killed by relatives and partners, highlighting the vulnerability many women face in Cuba.
Earlier this month, a video circulated on social media showing a group of youths attacking a home in Holguín with machetes, bottles, and a firearm. Some link the incident to disputes among members of the Abakuá religion, interpreting it as a sign of social decay and the normalization of violence on the island.
The rising insecurity has drawn sharp criticism of the Cuban government, accused of prioritizing political repression over the population's safety.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Security Crisis
What led to the murder of Rayne Paisan Dales?
Rayne Paisan Dales, also known as Kamikacy, was allegedly murdered by members of the García family, known locally as Los Cachita. His mother believes the crime could have been prevented had the police taken her prior warning seriously.
How has the Cuban government responded to the rising violence?
The Cuban government has been criticized for prioritizing political repression over public safety, as evidenced by the delayed response to incidents of violence and crime across the island.
What are some recent examples of violence in Cuba?
Recent incidents include a daylight robbery in Bayamo, the murder of a bus driver in Granma, and a masked assault in Artemisa. These events highlight the increasing insecurity in Cuba.