Camila González Arias was a 17-year-old high school student in Havana, living with her grandmother and younger sister. Her tragic demise on June 21 has been confirmed as a femicide by an independent observatory, bringing the number of documented cases in Cuba during 2026 to 51.
The Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) announced the verification of this case on Monday, describing the process as "lengthy and challenging" before gathering enough information to add it to their records.
According to details collected by OGAT, Camila attended a pool party on June 21 with her boyfriend, Carlos René Alfonso Gorejuria, who is 29 years old. Following the party, they went to his home in La Palma, Arroyo Naranjo, where the young girl was allegedly beaten to death.
Family sources consulted by the observatory have identified Alfonso as the suspected perpetrator. Testimonies indicate that his mother attempted to intervene in the attack, was also beaten, and ultimately called the police.
OGAT reported that when officers arrived, it was too late to save Camila, and Alfonso was taken into custody, though the current status of his legal proceedings remains unspecified.
The Impact of Camila's Death on Her Family
Camila resided in Lawton with her grandmother and her 12-year-old sister. Her mother and grandmother are both ailing, and Camila played a significant role in caring for the household, especially supporting and protecting her younger sibling.
With this case now included, OGAT's records show 51 femicides in Cuba so far in 2026, along with 21 attempted femicides and two male deaths related to gender-based violence.
This update comes just one day after the independent observatory documented its 50th femicide, surpassing the total number recorded throughout 2025.
OGAT's Annual Report and Additional Cases
OGAT's annual report, released in April, initially reported 48 femicides in Cuba during 2025. On August 21, the observatory confirmed another case from that year, updating their count to 49.
Camila is now the fifth young girl or adolescent recognized by OGAT as a victim of gender-based violence in 2026. Previous cases include Katherine Cruz Aguilera, 14; Gabriela Herrera Rodríguez, 7; Camila Aguilera Peña, 12; and Merlin Noay, 17.
The observatory emphasized the age difference between Camila and her alleged partner, noting her age of 17 compared to his 29 years.
Lack of Institutional Support
OGAT addressed this case within a broader analysis of relationships between adolescents and adult men in Cuba, highlighting the legal protections in place. The organization also criticized the absence of institutional support for Camila's family after her death.
Relatives told OGAT that, as of the report's publication, no government agency had reached out to inquire about the well-being of Camila's mother, grandmother, or 12-year-old sister. "So far, no one from the government has visited them or taken responsibility for the case," the family informed the observatory.
Understanding Femicide Trends in Cuba
What is the current number of femicides reported in Cuba for 2026?
As of now, 51 femicides have been reported in Cuba during 2026.
Who is responsible for verifying and documenting femicides in Cuba?
The Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) is responsible for verifying and documenting femicides in Cuba.
How has the government responded to Camila's case?
According to the family, no government institution has reached out to support or inquire about Camila's family following her death.