Unresolved case in Cuba: Three months without a trace of a missing teacher in Matanzas

Esperanza Cabrera Melvin, a 75-year-old teacher, disappeared three months ago in Matanzas with no clues about her whereabouts. Her family is reporting a lack of progress and is urgently requesting help.

Esperanza Cabrera MelvinPhoto © Facebook / Walkiria Quintana

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Esperanza Cabrera Melvin, a 75-year-old teacher, has been missing for three months in the province of Matanzas, with no clues so far about her whereabouts.

Her sister, Walkiria Quintana, reported the situation this Wednesday through a post on Facebook, where she insisted on seeking help to locate her and questioned the delay in the investigations.

Facebook Capture / Walkiria Quintana

According to Quintana, Cabrera disappeared on December 19, 2024, after leaving early in the morning from the village of the René Fraga sugar mill in the municipality of Colón, heading towards Maceo, a small village located one kilometer away; however, he never reached his destination.

"I don't understand how in such a small village, where everyone knows her, she could have disappeared as if the earth had swallowed her," her sister said in the post.

Quintana has expressed his desperation and concern over the lack of progress in the investigation, pointing out that there are no leads regarding his whereabouts.

"Please, we ask, we plead for your help; this act cannot go unpunished. Today it is us, tomorrow it could happen to anyone," her sister added.

Cabrera was enjoying good mental and physical health at the time of her disappearance, and her family is requesting any information from the community that could help locate her.

"Any information about her would be very helpful. Call 56278141. Put your hand on your heart and help," she emphasized.

Cabrera's sister has repeatedly asked for help on social media, stating that at the time of her disappearance, the woman was wearing a green sweater, light denim pants, and had a red scarf on her head.

Her sister, in a heartbreaking post on social media, pleaded for public assistance: “Please, help us. We don’t know what happened, but someone must have seen something. This is unlike anything else. It’s been days without eating, without sleeping, nights and days crying with a desperation that feels unbearable,” she expressed in a desperate plea.

In February, the Cuban authorities arrested the main suspect in the murder of the Cuban teacher Esperanza Cabrera Melvin. According to user Omar Sánchez, the alleged murderer was identified as Yoandy Castro, a native of the town of Laberinto, who was arrested after threatening another person while intoxicated, stating: "You're good for getting hit like I did to Esperanza."

Facebook capture/Omar Sánchez

In the Facebook group “Missing Persons in Cuba. We Are Your Voice”, it was reported that after the news was made public, they closed the post searching for Mrs. Esperanza, “an exceptional being, a dedicated teacher, loved and respected by all who knew her.”

To date, authorities have not provided information about the case, and it is still unknown whether Castro is responsible for the crime, as well as the whereabouts of Cabrera.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Disappearance of Esperanza Cabrera Melvin in Cuba

Who is Esperanza Cabrera Melvin and what is known about her disappearance?

Esperanza Cabrera Melvin is a 75-year-old teacher who has been missing since December 19, 2024, in Matanzas, Cuba. She left the town of the René Fraga sugar mill heading to Maceo and never arrived at her destination. Her disappearance has led to a desperate search by her family and the community, who have sought help through social media.

How are social media contributing to the search for Esperanza Cabrera Melvin?

Social media has been crucial in the search for Esperanza Cabrera Melvin. Relatives and community groups have used platforms like Facebook to disseminate information and request public assistance. This approach has allowed them to connect with people who may have relevant information about her whereabouts.

What is the current situation of the Esperanza Cabrera Melvin case?

Recently, authorities detained Yoandy Castro, the main suspect in the murder of Esperanza Cabrera Melvin. Although he has not confessed to the crime and it is unknown where her remains are, his arrest represents a breakthrough in the investigations. The case has caused shock and reignited the debate on violence and justice in Cuba.

What role does the community play in the search for missing persons in Cuba?

The community plays a fundamental role in the search for missing persons in Cuba. Citizens are encouraged to report any relevant information and to share alerts on social media to increase the visibility of the cases. Community collaboration is vital due to the lack of an official state channel to address these cases.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.