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Cuban authorities arrested on Tuesday the primary suspect in the murder of the Cuban teacher Esperanza Cabrera Melvin, 75 years old, who had been missing since December 2024 in the province of Matanzas.
According to user Omar Sánchez, the alleged murderer was identified as Yoandy Castro, a native of the town of Laberinto, who was arrested after threatening another person while intoxicated, stating: "You deserve to be beaten like I did to Esperanza."
In the Facebook group "Missing Persons in Cuba. We Are Your Voice," it was reported that after the news became public, they closed the search post for Mrs. Esperanza, "an exceptional being, a teacher by vocation, loved and respected by all who knew her."
So far, the alleged killer has not confessed to the crime, nor is it known where Esperanza's remains are.
The crime of Esperanza, better known as Espe, has caused a strong shock in Colón, the municipality in Matanzas where she lived, and has reignited the debate on violence and sentencing in Cuba.
“Esperanza or Espe, as we affectionately called you, justice will finally be served. Rest in peace; you didn't deserve that death. You were a teacher for many generations, a mother to many of us, a good neighbor. May God grant you rest in the most beautiful place in heaven, you deserve it,” wrote a netizen.
Others criticized the impunity in the Cuban penal system and the lack of justice in murder cases. "Murderer, what an abuser, what could this poor woman do? If he killed her, he should be sentenced, but in Cuba, murderers are tough on the streets and like lambs in prison; they are released and kill again. How disgusting."
A user commented on the issues plaguing the island as triggers for these violent acts. "I don't understand how there are people with such malice in their hearts after so many problems like lack of food, power outages, and money issues, instead of focusing on and fighting for what really matters to live peacefully and in harmony."
Esperanza was last seen on December 19, 2024, at 6:30 in the morning, at the bus stop of Central René Fraga, in the municipality of Colón.
The woman was heading to the town of Maceo, one kilometer away, but she never arrived, which prompted her family to report her disappearance to the police, while collectives and citizens mobilized to search for her.
In recent years, Matanzas has become the epicenter of violent crimes that have alarmed Cuban society. The increase in high-impact crimes has highlighted the vulnerability of citizens to crime and the ineffectiveness of the authorities in curbing the wave of violence.
One of the most shocking cases occurred in May 2023, when Víctor Luis Hozman Reyes murdered a couple and their seven-year-old son on a farm in the city of Matanzas. The crime, motivated by robbery, stunned the community. Recently, the Supreme People's Court of Cuba upheld the life sentence handed down by the Provincial Court of Matanzas.
Also last month, three young men were arrested in Cárdenas after violently assaulting a 15-year-old teenager in Parque Martí. The attackers stripped him of his mobile phone, watch, and shoes, highlighting the impunity with which criminal gangs operate in the area. Two of the detainees had criminal records.
Another tragic event occurred in February 2025, in the municipality of Colón, where a young mother was brutally murdered in her home, in the presence of her young daughter. A few days later, the body of the murderer was also found lifeless. This crime reignited the debate on gender-based violence in Cuba and the lack of protection for victims.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Case of the Missing Teacher in Matanzas
Who is the main suspect in the murder of Esperanza Cabrera Melvin?
The main suspect in the murder of Esperanza Cabrera Melvin is Yoandy Castro, who was arrested after threatening another person while intoxicated and indirectly confessing his involvement in the crime.
What impact has the disappearance and murder of Esperanza Cabrera Melvin had on the community of Matanzas?
The disappearance and murder of Esperanza Cabrera Melvin has caused a strong shock in the community of Colón, Matanzas. The case has reignited the debate about violence and sentencing in Cuba, exposing the vulnerability of citizens to crime and the ineffectiveness of authorities in curbing violence.
How has the search for Esperanza Cabrera Melvin progressed before the suspect's arrest?
Since her disappearance on December 19, 2024, the family of Esperanza Cabrera Melvin and citizen collectives have been active in the search through social media and community collaborations. Platforms like “Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba” have issued calls for support in locating Esperanza, emphasizing the importance of citizen solidarity.
What is the current situation of violence in Matanzas and Cuba in general?
The province of Matanzas and Cuba in general have experienced an increase in violence and high-impact crimes. Citizens are facing the ineffectiveness of the authorities to curb this wave of violence, which has generated concern and distrust in the country's judicial and security system.
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