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Three children were left orphaned following the brutal murder of Bárbara Elena Tejería Magdaleno, a 56-year-old mother whose body was found in an open field in the town of Las Cañas, in Calabazar, a locality within the Boyeros municipality in Havana.
The woman was allegedly attacked with a machete by her ex-partner, a man over 60 years old identified as Radamé, as reported by the independent media 14ymedio.
In recent months, Bárbara Elena had expressed to her family that she wanted to end the relationship and that she felt harassed. Nevertheless, she decided to go alone to her partner's house to collect some belongings. From that moment on, there was no news of her.
The family reported his disappearance, but the authorities refused to act until the 72-hour waiting period set by regulation had passed. During those days of uncertainty, his children—a 25-year-old daughter, a 19-year-old daughter, and a 15-year-old son—waited for news that never came.
On August 11, a neighbor reported the discovery of a body in a nearby vacant lot. The corpse was in an advanced state of decomposition and showed signs of violence. Hours later, the alleged attacker was found dead in a thicket, where all evidence suggests that he hanged himself.
A tragedy that repeats itself
The case of Bárbara Elena adds to the long list of femicides affecting the Island. Just a few days earlier, another young woman was murdered in Centro Habana after allegedly being stabbed by her partner, who later turned himself in to the police.
In parallel, a court in Havana sentenced a man to 25 years in prison for violently attacking his ex-partner in an attempted femicide. However, the Cuban judiciary did not classify the crime as such, charging it instead under other offenses like "robbery with violence, bodily harm, and threats."
Independent platforms such as YoSíTeCreo en Cuba (YSTCC) and the Observatorio de Género de Alas Tensas (OGAT) report at least 24 femicides so far in 2025, in a context where the regime does not publish official statistics nor acknowledges the term "femicidio" in its Penal Code.
The crime of Bárbara Elena, which leaves a devastated family, brings to the forefront the lack of effective protection mechanisms and the urgent need to confront a violence that continues to leave victims and inflict pain on entire communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Femicide in Cuba
What happened to Bárbara Elena Tejería Magdaleno?
Bárbara Elena Tejería Magdaleno was brutally murdered by her ex-partner in Havana. Her body was found in an open field and showed signs of violence. This case adds to the alarming list of femicides in Cuba.
How does the Cuban government respond to femicides?
The Cuban government does not officially recognize the term "femicide" and does not publish detailed statistics on these crimes. There are criticisms regarding the lack of effective and transparent actions to address gender-based violence, leaving many women in vulnerable situations.
How many femicides have been confirmed in Cuba in 2025?
Until August 2025, 24 femicides have been confirmed in Cuba according to independent platforms such as YoSíTeCreo en Cuba and the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas. The reality could be even more alarming due to the lack of official records.
What organizations are bringing attention to femicides in Cuba?
Platforms like YoSíTeCreo en Cuba (YSTCC) and the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas (OGAT) are documenting and denouncing femicides on the island. These organizations are working to bring attention to an issue that is not officially recognized.
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