Yudier Castellano has been apprehended as the suspect in the murder of a young worker in Camarioca, a locality within the municipality of Cárdenas, Matanzas province. This arrest was recently announced by the pro-government platform "Con Todos La Victoria."
The victim had left for work, as usual, transporting passengers using his horse-drawn carriage, but tragically never returned.
The following day, his lifeless body was discovered on the dirt road known as "Tierras Negras," with a fatal stab wound to the back.
The horse and carriage were missing from the scene, suggesting that the motive behind the murder was theft.
Acting swiftly, the authorities identified Castellano as the perpetrator. A search of his home led to the recovery of the stolen horse-drawn carriage, serving as crucial evidence of his involvement.
The official report described the incident as "a heinous crime, illustrating how greed can alter lives in an instant," and noted that despite his cold demeanor, the suspect "underestimated the efficiency of the authorities."
The case has been declared resolved, with the suspect now facing judicial proceedings.
Crime and Context in Camarioca
Camarioca, since 2010, has been part of Cárdenas municipality, located approximately 4.5 kilometers west of Cárdenas city, at the mouth of the river sharing its name.
This crime is set against a backdrop of escalating violence across Cuba in 2026. Independent organizations have documented at least 19 confirmed femicides by late April, yet the regime refrains from releasing official crime statistics.
The Value and Vulnerability of Horse-Drawn Carriages
In the current Cuban economy, deeply strained by over sixty years of communist dictatorship, horse-drawn carriages are invaluable assets for their owners. They have become a primary means of livelihood for many families, especially in rural and semi-rural areas.
This economic plight makes such carriages a frequent target for theft, as tragically illustrated by this incident in Matanzas, a province reeling from violence.
Understanding Crime in Cuba
What was the motive behind the crime in Cárdenas?
The primary motive behind the crime was the theft of the victim's horse and carriage, which are considered valuable assets in Cuba's current economic climate.
How did the authorities solve the case?
The authorities acted quickly and identified Yudier Castellano as the suspect. Evidence found at his home, particularly the stolen horse-drawn carriage, confirmed his involvement in the crime.