Young Man Found Dead in Baracoa Amid Rising Security Concerns

The once peaceful town of Baracoa has been jolted by an unsettling incident that underscores the alarming rise of insecurity in Cuba.

A young man, identified as Lázaro Matos from the village of San Luis, was discovered lifeless on Wednesday morning along the El Paso de los Alemanes route—a geographic landmark on the road connecting Baracoa to Maisí. This location now resonates with fear and anxiety among local residents.

Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported on Facebook that the situation is exacerbated by details implying a premeditated attack.

Initial reports, shared by user Joelmis Núñez in the Facebook group "BARIGUA EN MI CORAZÓN. Culture and Tradition," indicate that the victim was riding his motorcycle in the early morning hours.

The motorcycle remains missing, leading to the hypothesis that robbery was the motive behind the crime.

"Investigative processes indicate he was murdered with blunt force and then thrown down the staircase marked by an arrow near the stone tunnel," the post elaborates.

A troubling detail that raises more questions about the crime is that Lázaro's body was found without his lower garment, suggesting the possible involvement of a woman, either as an accomplice or companion.

According to Mayeta Labrada, the condition of the body implies the involvement of more than one attacker.

The journalist's page received extremely sensitive graphic material, which was withheld out of respect for the victim and his family, highlighting the case's severity and the necessity for it not to be dismissed as a minor incident.

"This crime must be investigated thoroughly, without excuses and without institutional silence," Mayeta emphasized.

Such incidents, once rare, now seem to be part of a dangerous trend particularly affecting those working at night or traveling on remote routes.

Local residents suggest that those responsible might not be from the area, exploiting the darkness and isolation to commit these crimes.

While authorities continue their investigation, the public has been urged to take extra precautions: nighttime motorcyclists are advised to heighten their vigilance, avoid stopping for strangers, and steer clear of isolated areas, even if it means a longer route.

Baracoa faces a harsh reality that cannot be normalized.

The community demands a serious, swift investigation with tangible outcomes, as the population lives in fear amidst the escalating violence shaking the region.