The city of Cárdenas, located in Matanzas, is mourning once again following the brutal killing of a 34-year-old man affectionately known as Carlitos. The attacker, reportedly on parole, has left the community in shock.
This tragic incident has sparked outrage and sorrow among residents, who are not only grieving the loss of a beloved community member but are also increasingly fearful due to the rising violence that seems unchecked by authorities.
Just shy of a month since another murder rocked the municipality, the recent event has left the city in dismay, as violence appears to be escalating while the government remains largely indifferent.
A Community in Grief
In the digital world, friends and former childhood companions of the deceased have taken to social media to voice their grief and frustration, remembering Carlitos as a joyful, hardworking individual who was cherished by all.
"Carlitos arrived at the Cárdenas orphanage when he was just five, alongside his sister Yanelis," wrote his friend Christian Arboláez on Facebook. "He was a lively child, always smiling, earning the affection of everyone around him. His departure leaves an unfillable void."
The wake, as described by those in attendance, was a heart-wrenching affair. Former caregivers, childhood friends, and close acquaintances gathered to bid farewell, sharing tears and embraces.
Community Outcry for Justice
According to Arboláez, Carlitos fell victim to a violent act that has shaken the city. "A man, reportedly on parole, attacked him mercilessly and is still free. Carlitos fought back, struggled for his life, but despite the doctors' best efforts, he couldn't survive," he recounted.
This case has reignited discussions on the lack of oversight and rampant impunity within the Cuban justice system, where numerous offenders, despite their criminal records, regain freedom after serving minimal sentences or under parole.
Fed up with the insecurity, citizens criticize the police for being ineffective, often leaving crimes unsolved or unpunished. Neighbors of Carlitos demand justice, questioning how someone with a history of violence could be released without proper monitoring.
"How long will this continue? What's happening in Cárdenas? Why does the police only react when someone shouts 'Patria y Vida'? The community urgently needs intervention! We can't keep losing lives to such senseless violence," lamented a local woman.
More Than Just a Number
Carlitos' sister, who lives abroad, expressed her anguish over the loss and for the young son Carlitos leaves behind, a child now growing up fatherless. "No one deserves such an end, and no one should live in fear of history repeating itself," Arboláez noted in a Facebook group for Cárdenas residents.
Cárdenas, a city plagued by economic turmoil and social decay, has become, as one user described on social media, a disaster. "Every day we regress further, love for others has vanished, respect for life is lost," another user mourned.
Carlitos' death not only leaves an open wound among those who knew him but also symbolizes the failure of a judicial system that neither protects the innocent nor restrains the violent. Meanwhile, locals plead for something as fundamental and just: that this time, there will be no silence or forgetfulness.
"Carlitos wasn't just another young man; he was part of a family that still weeps for him and will never forget him. We hope his name is the last we have to mention through tears," his close friend lamented.
Second Murder in Cárdenas Within a Month
On October 20, 61-year-old Carlos Laferte, an employee at a Cárdenas café, was fatally stabbed multiple times by an 18-year-old. Despite having self-defense skills, he couldn't fend off the assault and succumbed to his injuries.
"Carlos wasn't merely a café owner; he was the cheerful voice of the neighborhood, a friendly face with a noble character who listened and offered advice," Christian Arboláez shared on Facebook.
"The entire neighborhood mourns. Neighbors, friends, family—all are grieving. They say people like him are irreplaceable because they leave a lasting mark. Today, not only did a man die but a symbol of community, kindness, and respect," he assured.
In the following days, a young man named Dayfred Rizo Noda Herrera was arrested and charged with the crime. According to a Facebook post by the pro-government page "Con Todos La Victoria," linked to Matanzas police, the victim worked as an attendant at the Churri–Churri bar, located on Calvo Avenue and 28th.
He attempted to intervene in an altercation involving Noda, who then allegedly reacted violently, stabbing him with a knife, causing a wound in the chest that proved fatal shortly after at the municipal hospital.
The suspected attacker, unemployed, faces charges of murder and illegal possession of a weapon, according to the report. The incident had been previously reported on social media by neighbors and friends, who identified the victim as Carlos Laferte, portraying him as a café owner in Cárdenas. However, the official version later described him as an employee of the aforementioned bar.
Understanding the Violence in Cárdenas
What is the current situation in Cárdenas regarding crime?
Cárdenas is experiencing a rise in violence and crime, with recent murders causing fear and unrest among residents. The community feels the authorities are not doing enough to address the issue.
How are locals responding to the recent violence?
Residents are expressing their outrage and demand justice for the victims. Many are critical of the police and judicial system, emphasizing the need for effective intervention to ensure safety and accountability.
What actions are being taken against the perpetrators?
In the case of Carlos Laferte, the alleged attacker has been arrested and faces charges of murder and illegal possession of a weapon. However, there are concerns about the broader issue of impunity and inadequate judicial oversight.