A tragic incident unfolded in Guyana where 26-year-old Cuban national Dailen Paneque Gómez, missing since June 18, was found murdered. Authorities have reported that a local police officer is responsible for the crime.
According to Guyanese media, Dailen's decomposing body was discovered in a bushy area in Enmore Backdam around 7:50 PM on Wednesday, ending a six-day search following her disappearance.
The suspect, Randy Thomas, a 20-year-old Guyanese police officer, was apprehended and has admitted to the murder.
Details of the Disappearance
Dailen, who lived in Mon Repos on the east coast of Demerara, was last seen early on Thursday, June 18, heading to her job at a health center in Lusignan. When she failed to arrive, her absence was reported, prompting an investigation by the Guyana Police Force's Criminal Investigation Department. This led to the arrest of the accused and the subsequent discovery of her remains.
Confession and Investigation
Deputy Police Commissioner and Head of Criminal Investigations, Wendell Blanhum, confirmed that Thomas confessed to shooting the victim and guided detectives to the crime scene. "The officer admitted to shooting the victim," Blanhum stated.
Reports suggest that Thomas had a romantic involvement with Dailen and the shooting was premeditated. Thomas stated that a disagreement erupted during a meeting at Enmore, where he claimed Dailen first attacked him. However, his detailed confession hints at careful planning: he purchased a rope from a Chinese supermarket in Mahaica before the encounter, which he later used to bind and drag the body into the thicket.
Crime Scene and Aftermath
The accused used an unlicensed firearm and reportedly muffled the gunshot using a teddy bear placed against Dailen's head. After the murder, Thomas disposed of the weapon, the teddy bear, and Dailen's phone by throwing them off a bridge in Unity, and sanitized his car with hand sanitizer.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Guyanese authorities have not yet announced when charges will be formally filed against Thomas.
Dailen, who left Cuba in search of a better life, leaves behind a young daughter. The Cuban community in Guyana mourned her loss in a public statement: "Today, a family is shattered. A child is left without a mother. Another Cuban who sought opportunities abroad loses her life in the most unjust and cruel way, far from her homeland."
Rising Concerns of Violence
This case is part of an alarming series of violent incidents involving Cubans in Guyana. Since October 2024, at least five Cuban nationals have been killed in the country. Among them was 23-year-old Dainier Vegas Infante, fatally shot at his workplace in Georgetown on May 10, and 53-year-old Wilber Fonseca Fonseca, whose body was discovered on a roadside in Coldingen this month.
Guyana hosts an estimated Cuban community of 5,000 to 7,000 people, partly due to its policy of not requiring visas for Cuban citizens.
The murder of Dailen Paneque Gómez is also part of a broader pattern of violence against Cuban women abroad, often perpetrated by partners or ex-partners. In 2025, 12 Cuban women were victims of femicide in foreign countries, according to data from independent observatories OGAT and YSTCC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Violence Against Cubans in Guyana
What was the motive behind Dailen Paneque Gómez's murder?
The suspect, Randy Thomas, reportedly had a romantic relationship with Dailen and the murder is believed to have been premeditated following an argument.
How many Cubans have been killed in Guyana recently?
Since October 2024, at least five Cuban nationals have been victims of homicide in Guyana, raising concerns about the safety of the Cuban community there.
What actions are being taken by authorities in response to these incidents?
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are under pressure to address the rising violence against Cubans in Guyana. However, specific measures or responses have not been detailed.