Related videos:
Violence struck Santiago de Cuba again on Tuesday, when neighbors of a boarding house in the city center discovered the lifeless body of José Luis Rodríguez, known as "Jaca", inside his home on Maceo Street, between Carnicería and Moncada.
The macabre discovery, confirmed on Facebook by independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, left the community in shock and once again highlighted the growing sense of insecurity experienced by the population.
According to testimonies collected at the scene, a young man named Sandy, the son of a neighbor, discovered the body after noticing a strong smell coming from the victim's room.
The report was made immediately, and police officers along with forensic experts arrived at the scene, cordoned off the area, and prohibited taking photos.
However, because there was a power outage, they couldn't take the body until the following morning, which accelerated its decomposition and caused a putrid stench that spread throughout the entire block.
According to the information provided to Mayeta Labrada, in the house there were belongings missing from the deceased, including a scooter, clothing, shoes, and a gas cylinder, which suggests that the motive for the crime was theft.
"No one is allowed to enter or take photos, but everyone knows it was a murder," said a neighbor who chose to remain anonymous.
Several people recalled that Jaca had had recent conflicts with another neighbor, who accused him of stealing a phone, leaving open the possibility of revenge.
On the other hand, Claudia Rodríguez, daughter of the victim, confirmed the disappearance of personal belongings and harshly criticized the passivity of the authorities, recalling that issues facing her father had already been reported.
The crime has generated outrage in the community, not only due to the brutality of the act but also because of the way it was handled by law enforcement.
The neighbors claim that the Police did not investigate thoroughly due to the condition of the body and that, as in other cases, there is a prevailing intention to silence what happened rather than provide effective answers.
On social media, the news sparked a wave of comments filled with pain and anger.
"This is out of control with so many robberies, murders, and assaults. What used to be one of the safest countries has become one of the worst. And with so much darkness at night, it’s fuel for those miscreants," expressed an internet user.
A resident of Villa Clara added, "In Cuba, if you kill someone, they give you a few years, you behave well, and you’re back on the streets to keep killing. This way, violence will never end."
Other residents of Santiago are wondering what has happened to the city.
"Humility, brotherhood, and respect for our neighbors have been lost. What once defined us has disappeared," lamented a woman.
A resident of Havana was more emphatic: "Cuba is a failed system, a collapsed country, without law and order. Moral decay is advancing because the authorities lack both the will and the moral authority to stop it."
The murder of Jaca reflects an increasingly unbearable reality for Cubans: insecurity that permeates even their homes.
Amidst blackouts, dark streets, and a noticeable increase in crime, citizens feel that they have been left to fend for themselves.
The impunity with which criminals operate, along with the weakness of the courts that impose minimal penalties and release inmates prematurely, has created a fertile ground for violence.
The community remains shocked. And while the authorities stay silent, the neighbors continue to demand justice.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Security Situation in Santiago de Cuba
Why has insecurity increased in Santiago de Cuba?
The insecurity in Santiago de Cuba has increased due to a combination of factors such as the economic crisis, the lack of control by the authorities, and the rising impunity. These elements have created an environment conducive to the rise of thefts, murders, and other violent crimes in the region.
How does the lack of electricity affect security in the city?
The lack of electricity or constant blackouts severely impacts safety in Santiago de Cuba by leaving the streets in darkness, which facilitates criminal activity. The nighttime darkness is a contributing factor to the increase in thefts and assaults, creating an atmosphere of insecurity and fear among citizens.
What measures are the authorities taking in response to the increase in violence?
Authorities have been criticized for their lack of effective action in response to the rise in violence in Santiago de Cuba. The general perception is that law enforcement is not adequately investigating or penalizing crimes, allowing criminals to act with impunity and quickly return to the streets after being arrested.
What do citizens think about the current security situation in Santiago de Cuba?
The citizens of Santiago de Cuba express deep concern and frustration regarding the security situation. Many feel that they have been abandoned by the authorities and that violence has become a common issue in their communities. Desperation and fear are recurring emotions among residents, who demand responses and concrete actions to improve safety.
Filed under: