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The Attorney General's Office of the Republic announced this Wednesday that the person charged with the murder of National Revolutionary Police (PNR) Captain Leonel Mesa Rodríguez in Caibarién is Nectzary Morales Gálvez, who is currently under provisional detention measures.
According to the official note -which initially listed the second surname as "Vázquez" instead of "Gálvez" and was later corrected in another clarifying note- the process is currently in the instruction phase, with ongoing efforts to gather evidence and conclude the investigation.
The Prosecutor's Office stated that "with respect to the rights and guarantees enshrined in the Constitution and laws, the Prosecutor's Office will exercise public prosecution before the Court for judgment, requesting penalties corresponding to the severity of the facts and the circumstances under which they occurred, on which information will be provided."
The official statement did not provide further details regarding the age, place of residence, or possible connection of the killer with the victim.
Previously, the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) confirmed last Saturday the arrest in the city of Remedios of the alleged murderer, although the identity has not been disclosed until now.
According to the official report, during the arrest, the deceased officer's service pistol - along with its magazine - and the knife used in the crime.
The lifeless body of Captain Mesa Rodríguez, 62 years old, was found in the early hours of Friday, September 19, on a stretch of road between Remedios and Caibarién, in the La Reforma popular council, where he served as the sector chief.
The body was found with six stab wounds and a gunshot to the head. Next to the body was the official motorcycle he used for his work.
The officer was laid to rest with military honors on September 20 in his hometown of Taguasco, in the province of Sancti Spíritus.
The ceremony was attended by family members, neighbors, and coworkers, as well as the upper echelon of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), led by the Minister himself, General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas.
The first secretaries of the Party in Villa Clara and Sancti Spíritus, Suseli Morfa González and Delvy Pérez Martín, respectively, also attended.
The regime classified the incident as a direct attack, and stated that specialized teams are continuing the investigation for its complete clarification.
Before the official report, residents and independent media shared consistent versions of the incident. CubaNet reported access to videos where the officer could be seen lying on the road while other officials diverted traffic.
A bus driver reported having seen him hours earlier talking to someone by the side of the road.
Mesa Rodríguez joined the MININT in January 2004 and served for over 10 years as a law enforcement agent, operational mobile driver, and sector chief, until his promotion to the rank of captain.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Murder of the Police Captain in Caibarién
Who is the main suspect in the murder of Captain Leonel Mesa Rodríguez?
The main suspect in the murder of Captain Leonel Mesa Rodríguez is Nectzary Morales Vázquez, who is currently under preventive detention while the case is being investigated.
What evidence was found during the suspect's arrest?
During the arrest of Nectzary Morales Vázquez, the service pistol of Captain Mesa Rodríguez and the knife used in the crime were found. These pieces of evidence were crucial in linking the suspect to the murder.
How did the Cuban regime react to this murder?
The Cuban regime described the assassination as a direct attack and asserted that the rigor of revolutionary justice will be used to punish the perpetrator. Additionally, acts of revolutionary reaffirmation were conducted in support of the slain captain.
What is the context of violence in Cuba related to this murder?
The murder of Captain Mesa Rodríguez occurs at a time of growing violence and crime in Cuba, exacerbated by the economic and social crisis. The instances of theft, assaults, and homicides have increased, creating insecurity and fear among the population.
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