A brutal crime has shaken the community of Santiago de Cuba after the horrific murder of 69-year-old Artemio Luna Nápoles. The incident took place at his home in the village of Belleza, Songo – La Maya, allegedly to steal his checkbook and a Panda-brand television.
According to the independent outlet CubaNet, the murder occurred in the early hours of April 6. Luna Nápoles' body was discovered in the backyard of his home later that morning. Witnesses reported that law enforcement didn't arrive at the scene until around 3:00 PM. Neighbors and friends mentioned that Luna Nápoles lived alone, which the perpetrators likely exploited to carry out the crime without resistance.
"They ransacked his house, seemingly looking for the checkbook he had cashed the previous day. It seems they called him out, and when he went outside, they killed him," stated Dianelis Mina, a neighbor of the victim, to CubaNet. Other accounts suggest the murderers used stones to fatally strike his head before taking the television, the only source of entertainment Luna Nápoles owned.
Rising Crime Wave in Santiago de Cuba
This particular incident is part of a disturbing trend in the area. Another local resident confirmed that there have been at least three similar violent occurrences in the community, creating a general atmosphere of fear and insecurity among its residents. People are now afraid to go out at night or leave their homes unattended.
Due to the advanced decomposition of Luna Nápoles' body, which was exposed to the sun for approximately ten hours, his burial was moved up by the family from the originally scheduled time of 1:00 PM on Monday.
Related Violent Incidents in the Region
In recent months, Santiago de Cuba has seen a concerning rise in violent crimes, highlighting a decline in public safety. On March 25, after nearly two months missing, the decomposed body of Agustín Rodríguez Domínguez, known as "Cachito," was found in a forested area called Tanque Rojo in Santiago de Cuba's Chicharrones neighborhood. Residents speculate his death might be linked to a prior dispute over horse or donkey meat, and although some suspects were apprehended, they were released on bail.
Back in December 2024, Luis Mario Castillo, a guard at a Ministry of Sugar cooperative in El Cristo, Santiago de Cuba, was murdered while on duty, the motive being the theft of oxen. The perpetrators were caught and confessed to the crime. Additionally, a month earlier, authorities arrested Alex Recasen Suárez, accused of the murder of two guards, which deeply disturbed the residents of Santiago de Cuba. The victims were security workers at various sites.
In October, the community was left in shock when Tamara Carreras Martínez, a 57-year-old worker in the Informatization area at the University of Oriente, was killed by her partner in the streets of Santiago's provincial capital. This femicide caused great sorrow among the university community and the general public.
Other alarming incidents have also been reported, such as finding bodies on streets and in wooded areas, and the murder of young people under still-investigated circumstances. These events have significantly heightened feelings of insecurity among Santiago's residents.
Understanding the Crime Situation in Santiago de Cuba
What happened to Artemio Luna Nápoles in Santiago de Cuba?
Artemio Luna Nápoles was brutally murdered in his home in Santiago de Cuba, allegedly for his checkbook and television, with his body found in the backyard.
How has the crime rate changed in Santiago de Cuba recently?
There has been a noticeable increase in violent crimes in Santiago de Cuba, with several high-profile cases contributing to an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
What are the consequences of the rising crime wave in Santiago de Cuba?
The increase in crime has led to heightened anxiety among residents, making them fearful of going out at night or leaving their homes unattended.