The identification of a man discovered dead in the Florida Straits following a journey from Cuba has become a pressing matter for U.S. authorities, who have been unable to determine his identity since 2022.
“Cases like this are very complicated,” said Deputy Agent Adam Hoffner of the U.S. Border Patrol to Local 10 News.
To identify the body, which arrived alongside another person at the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the medical examiner, and the Coast Guard Investigative Services are working together.
According to authorities, on August 5, 2022, a vessel capsized with over a dozen people aboard. Twelve people were lost at sea, and only two survived.
Forensic Art in the Identification Process
To advance the recognition process, authorities have turned to forensic art. A Cuban-born artist is aiding in providing clues during this identification process.
“We found an artist I could locate in the state of Florida,” Hoffner said. His name is Fernando Gajate, an officer with the Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department and a retired captain from the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Gajate has solved several cases thanks to his drawings. “The body was well-preserved. They had taken some images,” Gajate said about this case in particular. “I don’t want to take any artistic liberties.”
He added, “As a fellow Cuban, I understand the difficult situation migrants face and the desperation they feel.”
Authorities believe the man is approximately 1.68 meters tall and has distinctive earlobes. They speculate that he and the others left Cuba around July 28, 2022.
Anyone with information can contact authorities via phone at 954-541-4744, email at mip-mmp@cbp.dhs.gov, or reach out to Janine Stanwood on Twitter or Instagram @janinewplg.
Efforts and Challenges in Identifying Missing Cuban Migrants
Considering the tragic circumstances and the complexities involved in identifying missing Cuban migrants, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide more clarity on the matter.
Why is it challenging to identify the deceased Cuban man?
The process is complicated due to the lack of identifiable information and the condition in which the body was found. Additionally, the absence of dental records or other personal documentation makes the task more difficult.
How are forensic artists helping in the identification process?
Forensic artists like Fernando Gajate create detailed drawings based on the remains and any available photographs. These drawings can help generate leads by providing a visual representation for potential identification.
What should someone do if they have information about the deceased?
Individuals with information should contact the authorities using the provided phone number, email address, or social media handles. Prompt communication can assist in the rapid identification and resolution of the case.