Just when we thought we'd witnessed it all, violence in Cuba escalates once again. Following the horrific Ceballos crime in August, where four individuals were brutally murdered during a robbery, a new tragedy has emerged barely a month and a half later. This time, a multiple homicide has rocked the Cayo Hueso neighborhood in Central Havana, also motivated by theft.
The grisly event reportedly occurred overnight from Thursday, October 10 to Friday, October 11, near Parque Trillo in Central Havana. The bodies, however, were not discovered until Saturday, October 12. The crime resulted in the violent deaths of three family members: a young man, his father, and his grandmother. A local resident informed CiberCuba, "The young man was named José Miguel, the father was Danilo, and the elderly woman killed was Danilo's mother. They were murdered overnight Thursday to Friday and found on Saturday."
Another neighbor placed the crime scene on San Martín Street, between Espada and San Francisco, just a block from her home. She confirmed that three individuals, including an elderly woman and two men, lost their lives. A third neighbor corroborated the timeline, indicating the incident took place last week in a residence near Parque Trillo, which aligns with the previous account as Parque Trillo is located just a block away from San Martín and Espada.
Unraveling the Mystery of a Double Robbery
Currently, the exact details and location of the crime remain uncertain due to conflicting reports. Nonetheless, there is consensus that it was a robbery leading to multiple murders in Central Havana. According to the neighbor consulted, two individuals, believed to be siblings, broke into the home and fatally attacked those inside. "When the police arrived, the bodies had already been there for a day," she told CiberCuba. Reportedly, the alarm was raised by the murdered woman's daughter, who lives abroad. Unable to reach her family by phone, she asked a friend to check on them. Upon arrival, the friend was informed by neighbors of their absence and was allowed to enter the house. Inside, he first discovered the grandmother and then the father, who was tied up.
Based on the neighbor's account, the police have apprehended the suspects because "one of them called the other from the young man's phone, and the police tracked them through that last call," she explained to the portal.
Speculation and Uncertainty
However, this account is not the only version. An internet user known as Almakki Díaz initially brought the crime to light, placing the multiple homicide on San José Street, between Espada and San Francisco. He shared a photo purportedly showing a police car parked at the crime scene. He claims to have verified information that a man, his homosexual partner, and his mother were the victims. Yet, comments on his post corrected him, stating it was not the partner but the man's godfather who was killed. Additionally, at least two other testimonies agree that the young man frequently stayed on Ánimas Street, and that night he slept at his father's and grandmother's home, who were also murdered.
There are further comments suggesting different locations such as San José and Hospital, but all agree the crime occurred in Central Havana. In a previous post by the same user, another internet user mentioned knowing the young victim's aunt. "I knew the young man. His mother and aunt live across from my house on Ánimas, between Gervasio and Belascoaín in Central Havana, near the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. The event happened near Parque Trillo, and the murdered woman was the grandmother," he noted.
Upon questioning by CiberCuba, this person learned of the crime through family members residing in Central Havana. Based on his information, the crime likely took place around Parque Trillo, possibly in one of the twelve-story buildings in Cayo Hueso.
Another online commenter, who works independently, revealed she knew one of the victims. "He and his wife were good friends of mine. She wasn't in Havana, and he stayed at his father's and grandmother's house. That night, intruders entered, tried to suffocate him, but apparently failed, and ended up stabbing all three: him, his father, and his grandmother. They put the grandmother in the fridge and took everything from the house," she recounted.
The Almakki Díaz post was echoed by La Tijera, with several Central Havana residents confirming the multiple homicides in their comments. Despite this, official media has yet to report on the incident, as they remain focused on the Palestinian issue, leaving the Cuban public without answers to the alleged crime that has left the community in shock.
Central Havana, the area where all witnesses place the multiple homicide, is known for its various homes catering to tourists.