The Mantilla community, in the Arroyo Naranjo municipality of Havana, is in shock following the violent murder of Leonardo Garlobo Castellanos, a father of three minor children.
The tragic incident occurred on November 19th, just three days after his 41st birthday, leaving a trail of pain and indignation among the victim's family, neighbors, and friends, according to a Facebook post by La Tijera.
Testimonials from alleged witnesses indicated that a group of approximately 15 people broke into the home of Garlobo Castellanos, smashing the door and brutally attacking him. This detail has not been confirmed by this editorial team, which remains awaiting a response from the authorities or official media regarding the tragedy.
The tragic event was confirmed on Facebook by the victim's half-brother, Leonardo Garlobo Acosta, who expressed deep sorrow over what had happened.
“Today, tomorrow, and always, I will remember you even though you left me and caused this pain that I will never overcome. I hope you are in a better place… We will meet again to be together, as you used to say when I called you, that you wanted me to come live with you. We all miss you so much. I love you, my brother. May God have you in glory,” expressed Garlobo Acosta.
Apparently, the assailants—allegedly motivated by a football-related argument—stabbed and struck the victim with a stick in front of his family, including his young children and his 16-year-old daughter.
Leonardo, known for his friendly demeanor and sense of responsibility towards his children, took care of the little ones after his wife's death a few years ago, as noted by several users in the comments on social media posts about the news.
His departure leaves his children orphaned, engulfed in tragedy and in a vulnerable situation that has sparked deep empathy within the community.
The mother of one of his daughters, Zenaida Bruzón Castillo, expressed the family's deep sorrow: "He was a good father, son, and friend. This has left the children without a father, and two of them no longer have a mother. What happened is an injustice."
Two of the alleged attackers have already been arrested, while the community demands justice and calls for increased security in the area. The farewell to Leonardo brought together neighbors from Mantilla and other neighborhoods, who remembered his kindness and commitment to his family.
Despite the Cuban regime authorities insisting that social media provides a distorted and exaggerated view of violence in Cuba, the truth is that news of crimes like the one in Mantilla appears with alarming frequency in the independent press.
Recently, a young Cuban identified as Alain Nolasco was brutally murdered in El Fanguito, in the Havana neighborhood of El Vedado. According to independent reporter "NioReportandoUnCrimen," the incident occurred last Monday at 3 a.m. on 15th Street between 26th and 28th Street, right in the middle of the street.
In an alleged street fight, between 15 and 13 people were involved, but the victim was stabbed by at least four neighbors, as well as being struck with pipes, hammered, and even hit with a bottle, according to the report.
Similarly, the young Cuban...Jesus David Corcho PérezA 22-year-old who had been reported missing since last Sunday in Jovellanos, Matanzas, was found deceased this Thursday, according to family sources.
Four days after the urgent alert issued by the family to locate him, a cousin of Corcho reported the tragic outcome: he was found dead and claimed that he was murdered, though she did not provide further details.
On the morning of this Friday, another horrifying incident was reported. According to local reporter Yosmany Mayeta on his Facebook channel, an entire family was murdered in their home in the San Luis municipality of Santiago de Cuba, and their house was allegedly set on fire to make it appear as though they had been victims of an accident.
The incident resulted in at least three fatalities: a young man and his two parents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime in Havana
What happened in the murder of Leonardo Garlobo Castellanos?
Leonardo Garlobo Castellanos, a father of three, was brutally murdered in his home in Mantilla, Havana, by a group of about 15 people. The attack occurred in front of his family, including his young children. The assailants reportedly stabbed him and beat him with a stick.
What has been the reaction of the community and the family to this crime?
The Mantilla community is in shock and demands justice for the murder. The family of Garlobo Castellanos has expressed profound grief, highlighting that their children are now in a position of great vulnerability following the loss of their father and, previously, their mother.
How have the authorities responded to the crime?
So far, two of the alleged attackers have been arrested. However, there has been no official statement from the authorities or state-run media regarding the crime, which has led to criticism over the lack of an adequate response and transparency.
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