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A young man identified as Mario Leandro Duharte Cala, 32 years old, passed away on Thursday after being stabbed during a fight that took place last Saturday at a street party on Calle 4 in the Chicharrones neighborhood, in Santiago de Cuba.
According to accounts from neighbors and close associates, the confrontation was not an accidental event, but rather the culmination of a long-standing conflict.
"Everything dates back over a year ago when they stole a bicycle and a gas canister," commented a source close to local reporter Yosmany Mayeta.
The alleged author of the theft is said to have been sent to Havana by his family, but recently returned to Santiago, where the tragic reunion occurred.
"He arrived drunk, met up with the guy, and that’s when the fight broke out... he was stabbed twice," the source added.
Images shared on social media show the moment when Mario was carried and transported to a hospital, leaving a noticeable trail of blood. The young man was admitted in critical condition to the intensive care unit, but he did not manage to recover.
Family members of the deceased have reported alleged medical negligence during his care. “They turned off the air conditioning in therapy and he started to worsen. The breathing apparatus had flies stuck to it,” recounted a relative who wished to remain anonymous.
The passing occurred on Thursday night, and his body is being laid to rest in Santiago de Cuba, surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors.
Among the farewell messages shared on social media, the one from her sister, Lilly Pérez, stands out, in which she wrote, “My beloved little brother, I will hold on to your joys, your smile, our craziness, the challenges of ‘let's see who has the prettiest curls.’ I will cherish your hugs, the last kisses I gave you while I stroked your hair and preferred to imagine you were sleeping, my boy. I never imagined feeling such pain… I will never say goodbye to you, so, until we meet again my love, wherever you are… I love you.”
So far, the identity of the assailant has not been publicly confirmed, nor whether they are in custody.
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