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Feminist platforms Alas Tensas and YosíTeCreo in Cuba identified Orlis Daniela Castillo Mayo as the nine-year-old girl who was murdered on June 20th in her own home by a neighbor in the town of Grito de Yara, Granma province.
It is with great sorrow that we report that the minor was the daughter of Yusmila Mayo Ruiz, who was a victim of femicide in February 2024 in the province of Las Tunas.
“The feminicide violence leaves its marks on families, especially in societies like Cuba where the State does not prevent, repair, or protect indirect victims,” wrote both platforms, which demand “justice and reparations for the girl and her mother.”
"Due to the characteristics that have been confirmed so far about this irreparable crime that has shocked the nation, the observers classify it as social femicide, as it was committed by someone known to the victim and with extreme cruelty, but we will continue to gather information on the matter,” the cited sources stated.
It was Orlis Daniela and her younger siblings who found their mother's body after she was murdered by her partner on February 14 of last year.
“The terrible story of this little girl is neither tragedy nor fate; it is the consequence of a broken society and a feminicidal State that refuses to protect the lives of women and girls,” added YoSíTeCreo en Cuba and Alas Tensas with severity.
“We request real protection for the other children of Yusmila (four currently alive) and all the boys and girls who survived the femicide of their mothers in Cuba. We ask for support for the families left in their care, facing thousands of economic and management difficulties in a devastated country,” they concluded, before wishing light and rest for the girl and justice and reparation for the family.
As of the time of this note's publication, no further details about the incident have emerged.
An atrocious crime
As indicated by feminist platforms, the crime occurred on June 20 in the town of Grito de Yara, in the municipality of Río Cauto, Granma province.
The subject, whose identity has not been revealed, slashed the throat of the minor for reasons that are unknown and was captured shortly afterward by forces of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
The operation had the support of local farmers, as the killer attempted to flee after committing the crime.
On social media, it was previously reported—based on Kim Barban's testimony—that the minor was an orphan and lived with her grandparents, who did not have adequate conditions for her care.
According to that testimony, the education authorities had been alerted to arrange for his transfer to a children's home, but "nothing was done."
Frequently Asked Questions about Femicide in Cuba and the Case of Orlis Daniela Castillo Mayo
Who was Orlis Daniela Castillo Mayo and what happened to her?
Orlis Daniela Castillo Mayo was a nine-year-old girl who was murdered by a neighbor in her home in the town of Grito de Yara, Granma province, Cuba. This crime has been classified by observers as social femicide due to its brutality and the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim. Orlis had been orphaned after the femicide of her mother, Yusmila Mayo Ruiz, in February 2024.
What actions are feminist platforms in Cuba taking in response to these crimes?
Feminist platforms such as Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba and Alas Tensas are demanding justice and reparations for victims of femicide and calling for real protection for surviving family members. Additionally, they are gathering information to raise awareness of these cases and are urging the Cuban state to implement effective policies against gender-based violence.
How is gender-based violence impacting Cuban families in 2025?
Gender-based violence is leaving numerous families shattered in Cuba, with orphaned children and a devastating social impact. So far in 2025, at least 16 femicides have been confirmed in the country. Feminist platforms emphasize the lack of protective measures and support for victims and their families, as well as the absence of a comprehensive law against gender-based violence.
What challenges do feminist organizations face in documenting femicides in Cuba?
Feminist organizations face significant challenges such as a lack of institutional transparency, power outages, and technological disconnection, which hinder the communication and documentation of femicides. Additionally, the Cuban government does not officially acknowledge the term femicide, complicating the visibility and prevention of these crimes.
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