A trio of young men, aged between 21 and 25, have reportedly been apprehended due to their alleged involvement in an incident on August 24 at the Ernesto Guevara General Teaching Hospital parking lot in Las Tunas, where a hospital worker was killed and another injured amid a theft.
Periódico 26, a state-run publication, shared that the suspects are currently in custody, awaiting judicial proceedings, based on "unofficial sources."
The article identified them as the "alleged perpetrators" of the crime, noting their ages but withholding their names and specific charges.
Another state-aligned outlet, Claridad Tunera, corroborated the news, stating that the individuals—aged 21, 22, and 25—are now facing legal action.
The crime reportedly took place in the early hours of August 24 at the bicycle parking area of the Dr. Ernesto Guevara Provincial Hospital. The incident resulted in the death of the cycle area guard and injuries to a gas department worker, who, according to reports, did not suffer life-threatening harm.
During the robbery, a motorized bicycle, a regular bicycle, and a mobile phone were stolen.
Claridad Tunera also mentioned that both workers were together when, allegedly, unknown individuals might have slipped a sedative into their coffee.
Initial reports after the event indicated that the cause of the guard's death was not officially explained. At that time, Periódico 26 reported no physical violence was evident on the victims.
There was speculation that a sedative could have been mixed into the workers' coffee, though this remained unconfirmed pending toxicological and forensic results.
The newest updates fail to clarify the guard's cause of death or provide results from those examinations.
The severe economic crisis in Cuba has heightened the sense of insecurity, resulting in frequent reports of thefts, notably in parking facilities and hospitals.
In August, Camagüey residents voiced concerns about a rise in electric bike and moped thefts from parking areas, with these items fetching over $1,700 for some bikes and beyond $2,000 for certain motorcycles on the black market.
Similarly, hospitals in Santiago de Cuba reported repeated thefts within a two-week span, including the loss of over 11 phones, along with sheets and fans.
Back in November 2025, two individuals were detained for their suspected involvement in stealing a vehicle from the parking lot of the pediatric hospital in Matanzas, another case highlighting security issues in healthcare facility parking areas.
FAQs About Crime and Security in Cuban Hospitals
What happened at the Ernesto Guevara Hospital parking lot?
On August 24, a violent incident occurred at the Ernesto Guevara Hospital parking lot in Las Tunas, resulting in the death of a worker and injury to another during a theft.
How is the economic situation in Cuba affecting security?
The ongoing economic crisis in Cuba has led to a heightened perception of insecurity, with increasing reports of thefts in public spaces, including hospitals and parking lots.
What measures are being taken to improve security in Cuban hospitals?
While specific measures have not been detailed, the Cuban authorities are likely investigating incidents and may implement enhanced security protocols in response to repeated thefts and violence.