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The Havana municipality of 10 de Octubre woke up to a strong commotion following the news of a violent crime that occurred early Friday morning in a house near the traffic light at Dolores, on Calzada de 10 de Octubre, close to a bakery and across from a school.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victim, identified as Yosvani Hernández Meriño (known as Pocholo or El Moro), was reportedly found dead around 4:00 a.m., with multiple stab wounds and a deep cut on the neck. The body, according to these testimonies, was said to have been covered with a mattress before being left at the scene.
According to the report from the Facebook page 'Reporte Cuba Ya', neighbors indicated that the previous night the man had been entertaining a small group of people at his home. The investigation, which is ongoing, aims to clarify both the motive and the identity of those responsible.
Some hypotheses circulating among residents suggest a possible personal motive or one linked to previous relationships, but the authorities have not confirmed any version.
The body was transferred to the Legal Medicine department, where specialists are conducting the necessary forensic tests. So far, no official report has been issued by state media or competent institutions.
Pain and demand for justice
The incident has sparked a wave of messages expressing grief and solidarity towards the family, particularly regarding the situation of the victim's seven-year-old daughter, who is now left without her father. Friends and loved ones describe him as a calm, sociable, and respected person in the neighborhood.
On social media, neighbors have shared memories and anecdotes about his cheerful character and his willingness to help those around him. The news has sparked outrage and calls for the case not to go unpunished.
Controversy over allegations on social media
Hours after the news broke, a name began circulating on social media platforms, identified by the victim's relatives as a possible suspect.
The individual in question has publicly denied any connection to the crime, stating that he had a friendship with the deceased and lamenting his loss. Furthermore, he warned that he might initiate legal action for defamation if the accusations against him continue.
'Reporte Cuba Ya' clarified that it was not making a direct accusation, but rather reproducing testimonies from family members and neighbors who openly expressed themselves on social media.
Unofficial sources indicate that three individuals have reportedly been detained in connection with the investigation, although their identities have not been revealed nor has their level of involvement been clarified.
A community marked by violence
The homicide has reopened the debate on the rise in violent incidents in the capital and the perception of insecurity on the streets. Residents of the municipality express fear and concern, noting that in recent months they have heard about other episodes of criminal activity in the area.
For many, the lack of official information creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that fuels rumors and contradictory stories. Experts in social issues consulted indicate that such crimes deeply impact the community fabric, not only due to the loss of life but also because of the sense of vulnerability they leave among neighbors.
As the investigation progresses, family members, friends, and neighbors hold symbolic vigils and messages of tribute, remembering the victim as someone close and cherished. In their words, there is a unanimous plea: for the truth to be known and for justice to be served.
Recent information: The victim's profile and context of the crime
According to an article signed by Rolando Remedios Sánchez and published by the blog Café Fuerte, Hernández Meriño was 31 years old and had reportedly participated in the protests of July 11, 2021 (11-J) in Havana.
According to that outlet, he was arrested the day after the protests and beaten while in the Youth Prison of Cotorro, being released days later.
Café Fuerte reported that on the day of the crime, the victim had won a lottery prize and organized a celebration at their home in the Lawton neighborhood, attended by several acquaintances.
Testimonials cited by the blog claim that, in the early hours of the morning, some of the guests attacked him in an apparent attempt to steal money and appliances. The assaults, according to that source, included between ten and fourteen stab wounds, as well as a deep cut to the neck.
According to testimonies collected by Remedios Sánchez, up to eight people may have participated in the attack, and of those, three are already in custody. She also mentioned that neighbors heard screams in the early morning coming from the home's yard.
The publication reminded that the victim was the father of a seven-year-old girl and that friends and close ones described him as a cheerful, hardworking, and supportive person.
Rolando Remedios Sánchez, author of the piece in Café Fuerte, is a protester from July 11 and the main figure in the iconic photo from the protests that day in front of the Capitol in Havana. He currently resides in Germany, where he has applied for political asylum.
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