Emotional tribute to 19-year-old killed in Havana

Dozens of neighbors and friends of a 19-year-old young man from the Mantilla neighborhood in Havana, who was murdered this week, set up an emotional altar on Wednesday to remember "El Guaji," as he was affectionately known by his loved ones.

Several videos shared in the Facebook group Somos Mantilla show how dozens of neighbors gathered at the intersection of Mendoza and Rosel streets to pay their tribute to "El Guaji." Some were even crying.

Those present decorated the place in line with the occasion and played music to remember the young man. In addition to a photo of him, they placed flowers and personal items that served to bid farewell to the deceased, who apparently was very beloved in his neighborhood judging by the hundreds of comments that, in recent hours, have expressed shock and sorrow over his premature death.

"This breaks my heart. Seeing how everything turned out for those who knew you, my child. Rest in peace, guaji. Justice for that innocent one," wrote Marisleidis Ruiz Morales in the mentioned Facebook group.

"EPD my childhood friend. I still can't believe it. My God, a person as loved and joyful as you, wuaji. I hope God welcomes you in his most beautiful place and with your mom. You have left a huge void in Mendoza with all the loved ones around you. #medozaestadeluto Fly high," wrote Sandrá Milanés, along with images of the beautiful altar they prepared for the young man.

The tribute lasted until late at night.

Although hardly any details of what happened have emerged, it is clear that the young man died from a knife attack.

"Defending a friend. He was stabbed in the heart and passed away," indicated an Internet user in the Facebook group Somos Mantilla in response to the persistent questions from many group users.

Another commentator specified that it happened "on the beach," while a third pointed out that "he was not a boy of bravado or a tough guy."

"The Guaji," who lived on Mendoza Street in the mentioned neighborhood of the Havana municipality of Arroyo Naranjo, was raised by his grandmother, as his mother passed away when he was little, according to several people who knew him.

According to a source close to the deceased young man, his killer has not been captured by the police. The alleged aggressor is believed to reside in the Cerro municipality, also in Havana.

Several internet users have taken advantage of the tragic event to reflect on the way violence among youth has skyrocketed in the last two years, something that many also attribute to the undeniable proliferation of drugs, a scourge that even the Cuban government now acknowledges.