The Cuban police captured the fugitive Arisley Cabeza Reyes, known as Perico, who is suspected of being responsible for the murder of a father and his son in the province of Artemisa.
The profile of Facebook Artemisa Rebelde, linked to the Ministry of the Interior in Cuba, reported that the individual was arrested and, during his capture, attempted to take his own life.
Upon being injured, he was urgently transferred to the Bahía Honda Municipal Hospital. Subsequently, he was referred to the Calixto García Hospital in Havana, where he remains in custody. Once he recovers, the suspect will be made available to the Prosecutor's Office to answer for the crime that shocked the community of Artemisa.
The arrest occurs after independent media alerted about the lack of progress in the case, which generated fear and outrage among the local citizens.
A brutal and premeditated crime
On September 5th, Francisco Torres Rodríguez, 80 years old, and his son Yaciel Torres Remedio, 46, were found dead on their farm El Cusco, located in a mountainous area of the municipality of Candelaria, near the community of Las Terrazas.
Both bodies showed signs of extreme violence and were found in different locations on the property, which supports the hypothesis of a planned attack.
From the outset, suspicions focused on Cabeza Reyes, an inmate who had escaped from the Ceiba 5 correctional facility, where he was serving time for theft. Testimonies indicated that the fugitive may have acted alongside two other individuals, motivated by a possible robbery or personal revenge.
The victims had recently sold a significant number of pigs and rams, which fueled the theory that the crime may have had economic motives. Another theory suggests that the Torres family may have refused to provide shelter to the fugitive, triggering his anger.
Sources claim that the detainee committed a third murder
The journalist José Luis Tan Estrada and the profile of reported that last Friday Arisley Cabeza Reyes murdered his ex-partner in San Cristóbal.
Furthermore, the man had allegedly also threatened the mother of his daughters, who resides in Bahía Honda, in a house where three small girls live.
The capture of the violent fugitive was accomplished after a major police operation, bringing an end to days of tension in Artemisa, as this individual posed an imminent threat to the community.
Context of Growing Insecurity in Cuba
The detention of Arisley Cabeza Reyes occurs amid a wave of violence affecting various regions of the country. Independent organizations such as the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC) have documented a significant increase in violent crimes in recent months.
Between January and June 2025, the OCAC recorded 1,319 crimes, including 63 murders and 721 robberies, which contradicts the official narrative of the Cuban regime that insists crime is on the decline.
The double murder of the Torres not only left a profound mark on their community but has also become a symbol of the deterioration of Cuban social fabric and the growing sense of impunity that prevails in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Murder in Artemisa and the Capture of the Fugitive
Who is responsible for the murder in Artemisa?
The person responsible for the murder in Artemisa is Arisley Cabeza Reyes, alias Perico, who was captured by the Cuban police. He is accused of having murdered Francisco Torres Rodríguez and his son Yaciel Torres Remedio on his farm El Cusco. Cabeza Reyes was an escaped inmate from the Ceiba 5 correctional facility, where he was serving time for theft.
What motivated the murder of Francisco and Yaciel Torres in Artemisa?
The murder of Francisco and Yaciel Torres may have been motivated by a robbery or personal revenge. The victims had recently sold a significant number of pigs and rams, which fueled the theory that the crime had economic motives. Another theory suggests that the Torres family refused to provide shelter to the fugitive, which may have triggered his wrath.
How was Arisley Cabeza Reyes captured?
Arisley Cabeza Reyes was captured by the Cuban police following a suicide attempt during his arrest. He was injured and was urgently transferred to the Bahía Honda Hospital and then to the Calixto García Hospital in Havana. He remains in custody and will be made available to the Prosecutor's Office once he recovers.
What impact has crime had on the community of Artemisa?
The murder of Francisco and Yaciel Torres has left a profound mark on the community of Artemisa. This event has become a symbol of the deterioration of Cuban social fabric and the growing sense of impunity that prevails in the country. The community has expressed fear and outrage over the lack of initial progress in the case.
How is the security situation in Cuba currently?
Security in Cuba is in a critical state due to a significant increase in violent crimes. Between January and June of 2025, 1,319 crimes were reported, including 63 homicides, contradicting the official narrative of the Cuban regime that insists crime rates are declining. The situation reflects a deterioration of the social fabric and a sense of impunity among citizens.
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