A brutal crime has shocked the community of Paso Quemado in Los Palacios, Pinar del Río: the murder of 58-year-old Nelson Robaina Campos last Sunday, according to sources close to the victim.
Robaina, who was known as "Huevo" by family and friends, was murdered and decapitated to steal his electric bicycle and cell phone last Sunday while he was on guard at a tobacco field, according to reports on social media.
The victim was a noble man, well-respected and beloved in his community, said close acquaintances who conveyed their condolences to the family, according to several reports.
Nélida Rubiera Mesa, a close friend of the victim, expressed her sorrow over Robaina's death: “Sometimes life deals us very hard blows that keep us in shock for a long time. The loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult. There are no words to convey the pain I feel in not being able to ease the suffering of my childhood siblings Lázaro Robaina, Anel Robaina, and their entire family; their loss hurts me deeply.”
“Nelson was a great human being and a friend to my family. My family joins in the sorrow of my brothers, and I hope and trust in God that justice will be served. Rest in peace, Nelson,” he expressed on his Facebook profile.
The official press has not published any information about the crime; however, profiles on Facebook belonging to local officials, including José Ramón Cabrera Miranda, the president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power in Los Palacios, revealed this Tuesday that forces from the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) captured the presumed murderer "in less than 36 hours."
The publication, accompanied by a photo of the detainee, identifies him only by the nickname “Chequera,” from the Paso Real area, and does not provide further details about the individual or the crime he is accused of.
The tragic event has cast a shadow over another Cuban family amid the wave of crime and violence that has erupted in Cuba in recent years, set against a backdrop of economic and social crisis in the country.
The rise in crime keeps the population on edge, while authorities insist that crime rates have decreased.
In statements to the British broadcaster BBC, the Vice President of the Supreme Court of Cuba, Maricela Sosa Ravelo, asserted in September that insecurity in the country is an issue amplified by social media, and she blamed defamatory campaigns promoted from the United States.
However, thefts, assaults, murders, and other crimes have become frequent occurrences in Cuba.
On Monday, Aliesky Martínez Ferrer was arrested for killing his own five-year-old son and sexually assaulting a pregnant woman who was eight months along, in the municipality of Minas, Camagüey.
At the end of November, a couple and their son were murdered in their home in the San Luis municipality of Santiago de Cuba, and their house was set on fire to simulate that they had been victims of a fire.
Also in Santiago de Cuba, authorities arrested the suspected perpetrator of the murders of two security guards and the assault on a third guard, who survived the attack, in the previous week.
Frequently Asked Questions about Violence and Crime in Cuba
What was the motive behind the murder of Nelson Robaina Campos in Pinar del Río?
Nelson Robaina Campos, 58 years old, was murdered for his electric bicycle and cell phone. The crime occurred last Sunday while he was on watch at a tobacco field. This tragic event has shocked the community of Paso Quemado in Pinar del Río and is part of a growing wave of violence in Cuba.
How have the community and authorities reacted to the crime of Nelson Robaina?
The community has expressed its dismay and condolences to the family of Nelson Robaina. Forces from the Ministry of the Interior have apprehended the alleged killer, identified only by the alias "Chequera."
What is the current situation of crime in Cuba?
Despite claims by Cuban authorities that crime rates have decreased, the reality is that thefts, assaults, and murders have become common in the country, exacerbated by a severe economic and social crisis. The rising violence creates insecurity and fear among the population, while social media consistently reports new criminal incidents.
What measures are the Cuban authorities taking to combat the rise in violence?
The authorities have stated that they are working to reduce crime and illegal activities. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz has acknowledged that efforts are underway, but he has also admitted that the population has not yet perceived significant changes. The importance of combating crime is emphasized, although visible results for citizens are still limited.
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