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The joint forces of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) arrested the mother and stepfather of two-year-old Roberto Carlos Suárez Machado after confirming their involvement in the abuse that led to the child's death on Saturday. Both are now facing criminal charges for homicide.
According to the newspaper Girón, the child was admitted on July 16 to the Eliseo Noel Caamaño Pediatric Hospital in the city of Matanzas, presenting with septic shock, multiple bruises, and clear signs of physical trauma.
Despite being treated in the intensive care unit and undergoing surgical interventions, he passed away at 6:05 a.m. on Saturday.
Sources from MININT confirmed that both the mother and the stepfather frequently abused the minor, noting that the most recent assault was allegedly committed by the stepfather.
Both remain in custody as the investigations proceed and evidence is gathered to present before the competent courts.
In recent hours, the case has generated profound outrage among the people of Matanzas and on social media, where users have demanded justice for the child, marking one of the instances of mistreatment that has shocked Cubans the most in recent years.
The authorities emphasized that these events "do not reflect the everyday reality of Cuban society" and reiterated the government's commitment to the protection of children.
"The case will be processed under the rigor of the Cuban Penal Code, which imposes severe penalties for those who commit offenses against minors," the authorities stated in an official statement.
This Saturday, it was reported that a mother identified as the alleged perpetrator of the death of her 2-year and 4-month-old son had been arrested in the province of Matanzas, Cuba, following complaints from neighbors and family members who accuse her of an extreme case of child abuse.
According to testimonies shared on social media and reported by independent journalists, the boy, identified as Roberto Carlos, allegedly died as a result of a beating inflicted by his mother, Amarilis.
The reports also indicated the possible involvement of the child's stepfather, who may have been an accomplice or a witness to the abuses without intervening to protect the minor.
Amid the uproar, it was clarified that the biological father of the minor is in Uruguay —and not in Mexico, as had been mistakenly reported— and that he has remained out of the situation due to obstacles in returning to Cuba, even through humanitarian channels such as the Red Cross.
Close individuals claim that the father is devastated and that the child "lacked nothing" from his side.
Subsequently, the pediatric hospital Eliseo Noel Caamaño in Matanzas confirmed that the minor Roberto Carlos Suárez Machado, just 2 years old, passed away this Saturday after being admitted with clear signs of physical abuse.
According to the official local media Girón, the authorities activated protocols for the care of the minor due to suspicions of a possible infanticide by the mother, identified as Amarilis, a resident of the Naranjal neighborhood.
Dr. Anaelis Santana Álvarez, the director of the hospital center, informed the newspaper that the infant was admitted on Wednesday, July 16, around noon, brought in by his mother at the urging of a concerned neighbor.
The woman had noticed that the child was drowsy, looking unwell, and, according to his mother, had been in that state for over 24 hours.
The minor arrived in critical condition: drowsy, with a fever, respiratory distress, and "visible trauma signs on the body, such as multiple bruises."
The doctors admitted him directly to the intensive care unit, and after a quick evaluation, they suspected septic shock as the initial diagnosis.
However, the situation worsened. The child's distended abdomen led the medical team to conduct imaging studies, which confirmed the presence of internal perforations.
He underwent surgery but never managed to stabilize. The little one passed away at 6:05 a.m. this Saturday, July 19.
In light of the obvious signs of violence, the hospital immediately contacted the child protection services of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), who arrived at the center and commenced an investigation.
The director of the hospital institution explained that, as mandated by law, doctors must report any cases with signs of child abuse so that the authorities can take action.
"We are witnesses by profession," Santana pointed out. "In this case, the little boy did have some bruises."
The local media detailed that Cuban legislation includes the protection of children as a fundamental principle.
Article 5 of the Family Code establishes that the family is the primary protector of the enjoyment and security of minors' rights. Any violation of these rights will be severely penalized by the competent judicial authorities.
Frequently asked questions about the infanticide case in Matanzas
Who is responsible for the child's death in Matanzas?
The mother and stepfather of the minor have been arrested and charged with homicide. Following the death of the child Roberto Carlos Suárez Machado, authorities confirmed that both adults were involved in the abuse that led to the child's passing.
What was the child's health status upon entering the hospital?
The child was admitted to the Eliseo Noel Caamaño Pediatric Hospital with a presentation of septic shock, multiple bruises, and evident signs of physical trauma. Despite medical attention, the critical condition of the minor did not allow for recovery, and he subsequently passed away.
What legal measures will be taken against those responsible for the infanticide?
The case will be processed under the Cuban Penal Code, which includes severe penalties for those who commit crimes against minors. Both the mother and the stepfather are in custody while the investigations proceed.
What has been the community's reaction to this event?
The case has generated deep rejection among the population of Matanzas and on social media, where calls for justice for the minor are being made and shock is expressed over the severity of child abuse.
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