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The murder of the security guard at a cooperative located in the town of El Cristo, in Santiago de Cuba, early this Monday has caused shock, grief, and outrage in the community, raising alarms over the third violent crime committed against a security guard in just over a month in the province.
Information about the tragic event was made public on social media. In a Facebook post, communicator Yosmany Mayeta claimed that the motive for the homicide was the theft of some oxen.
The custodian's name was Luis Mario Castillo, popularly known as "Luis, la pulla." He was approximately 54 years old and lived in the La Tordera neighborhood, in El Cristo, sources close to the victim informed CiberCuba.
Castillo worked as a custodian at a cooperative belonging to the Ministry of Sugar (MINAZ), where he was stabbed and hanged. He was found dead around six in the morning by his colleagues, as confirmed to our outlet.
In addition, he had worked in the police force and as a messenger, delivering bread to various neighborhoods in the area.
"The news has left a great sorrow in the community, as he was a hardworking man, a revolutionary, and a family man; he didn't deserve to die like that, honestly," stated one of the individuals interviewed by CiberCuba, clearly distressed by the crime. She also mourned the terrible loss for his family, particularly for his mother, an elderly woman.
Another neighbor mentioned that Castillo's mother is devastated by the murder, and she described the situation as “too sad for someone who was just trying to earn a decent living.”
As of the publication of this article, there has been no statement from the authorities or the official press regarding the crime.
The post by Mayeta and other posts on Facebook have prompted reactions from hundreds of users, many of whom expressed their outrage over the murder and the police’s inaction in combating crime.
Those who knew Castillo agreed that he was a very good person. "A man of few words, upright," "humble, hardworking, and noble, a family man; what a tragic death," were some of the sentiments expressed by those close to him.
There are countless condolence messages for Castillo's family, yet another victim of violence and insecurity in Cuba.
In addition to the profound sorrow over the worker's death, the comments also reflected the concerns of Cubans regarding the rise in crime and criminality in the country. There was a strong demand for the authorities to implement stricter laws and harsher penalties, including the death penalty, particularly against those who commit murder.
The sentiment of the population can be summed up in opinions like this: “This is what those criminals are dedicated to these days—killing to seize other people's possessions; in an instant, they take a person's life to acquire the sacrifices of many years of hard work. The authorities should apply all their laws to them, and the full weight of the law should come down on them; no more injustices like this,” said a man.
“There is stalking of the security guards; right now, no one wants that job,” warned one internet user, while a third recalled, “Security guards work unarmed, and if they get robbed, they have to pay for what is stolen and are fired. If they try to stop it, they get killed.”
"There are no longer thieves; now they are murderers. That's why the law needs to change for those who kill. The one who kills must die, end of story," another person stated emphatically.
In the past month, Santiago de Cuba has been shaken by the murders of two security guards while they were on duty—one at a market and the other at a paladar—during an attempted robbery.
At the end of November, the authorities arrested the perpetrator of both crimes and the attack on a third guard, who survived the assault.
But this year, the guards of a notary office and a cooperative in Santiago de Cuba, a currency store in Havana, and a grocery store in Ciego de Ávila were also killed. In some of these incidents, it was reported that the motive was robbery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Violence and Crime in Santiago de Cuba
What happened to the custodian of a cooperative in El Cristo, Santiago de Cuba?
Guard Luis Mario Castillo was murdered in the early hours of Monday while working at a cooperative of the Ministry of Sugar in El Cristo, Santiago de Cuba. The motive for the homicide was the theft of some oxen, and his death has caused shock and outrage in the community. This marks the third murder of a security guard in just over a month in the province.
How has the community reacted to the murder of the guard Luis Mario Castillo?
The community has expressed deep sorrow and condemnation regarding the murder of Luis Mario Castillo. People have voiced their concerns about the rising wave of violence and the lack of action from authorities to curb these crimes. Many have reacted with outrage on social media, demanding stronger measures against crime and justice for the victim.
What is the current situation of crime in Santiago de Cuba?
Santiago de Cuba is facing an unprecedented wave of violence, particularly targeting security guards at various facilities. In the past month, several security personnel have been murdered on the job, and a suspected serial killer has been apprehended. The community is alarmed and is calling for stricter measures to curb crime.
What measures have the authorities taken in response to the increasing violence in Santiago de Cuba?
So far, the authorities' response has been deemed insufficient and has faced scrutiny from the public, who feel that not enough is being done to combat crime. Although several suspected perpetrators of murders have been arrested, citizens still experience a sense of insecurity.
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