A man identified as Alieski Martínez Ferrer remains at large following the alleged murder of his five-year-old son, Edgar Aliesky Martínez Torres, in the municipality of Minas, Camagüey.
The crime—apparently an act of vicarious femicide—occurred on November 26th.
According to reports, Martínez Ferrer picked up the child from his maternal grandmother's house with the premeditated intention of taking his life.
Subsequently, he hanged him and fled the scene. During his escape, he assaulted a pregnant woman who was on her way to a medical appointment, assaulted her, and stole her cellphone.
The victim is hospitalized in critical condition at the Camagüey Maternal Hospital.
Keilin Torres Varela, the child's mother, expressed her pain and plea for justice on social media:
"This man must pay. He killed my son, an innocent baby. He is armed and very dangerous. Please, if anyone sees him, notify immediately. This cannot go unpunished," quoted independent journalist Alberto Arego on Facebook.
The mother also stated that she is under police protection, as the man had threatened to attack her as well.
Neighbors in the area are terrified, especially those living in rural areas where Martínez Ferrer is believed to be hiding. They have strongly criticized the lack of action by the authorities.
"The police haven't done anything yet. We are terrified, and this man is fleeing in the mountains. We need them to catch him now," commented a resident of Minas.
The community has made a call on social media for the case to go viral, hoping that the authorities will intensify the search and that the accused will be brought to justice.
Journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, in a report for Cubanet, stated that the motive behind the crime could be Torres Varela's refusal to resume the relationship with Martínez Ferrer. Additionally, neighbors claim that the man had previously attempted to kill her.
This case is not an isolated incident. Recently, another filicide shocked Cuba when a 17-year-old was killed by his father in Las Tunas, highlighting a troubling pattern of domestic violence on the island.
Feminist platforms, such as Alas Tensas, have described the murder of the minor as a vicariat feminicide, defined as the use of violence against third parties, particularly children, to cause psychological harm to women.
Frequently asked questions about the tragic case of infanticide in Minas, Camagüey.
What happened to the five-year-old boy in Minas, Camagüey?
The child, Edgar Aliesky Martínez Torres, was murdered by his own father, Alieski Martínez Ferrer, in Minas, Camagüey. The father strangled the minor after picking him up from his maternal grandmother's house. Currently, the perpetrator is evading justice.
What is known about the whereabouts of the murderer?
Alieski Martínez Ferrer, the alleged murderer, is on the run and is considered dangerous. The boy's mother has requested help on social media for his capture, urging anyone who sees him to inform the authorities.
What was the alleged motive for the crime?
According to collected testimonies, the motive for the brutal crime was the mother's refusal to continue the relationship with the father. The murderer had previously attempted to assault her after their relationship ended.
How is violence being addressed in Cuba?
Cases of violence, including murders and abuse, are becoming more frequent in Cuba. Social media has become the primary platform for reporting these incidents due to the lack of effective action from the government.
What is the security context in Camagüey and other Cuban provinces?
Camagüey and other provinces have been the scene of several recent violent crimes, including infanticides and feminicides. The increasing insecurity reflects a troubling situation that authorities have not been able to control effectively.
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