The repatriation of the remains of the Cuban dancer who died in the attack on the Lacoss bar in Mexico is being prepared

The Consular Section of Cuba in Mexico City reported that arrangements are being made for the repatriation of the body of the young Cuban dancer Elianis Betsalie Toro Martínez, who died following the armed attack and fire that occurred early on November 18 at the Lacoss bar, located in the La Popular neighborhood of the city of Puebla.

"The Consulate deeply regrets the passing of the Cuban citizen Elianis Betsalie Toro Martínez, following the incident that occurred at the Lacoss bar. As is customary in such cases, consular efforts are being made for the repatriation of the body in accordance with the family's wishes. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends," the statement reads.

The tragedy of Elianis, 20 years old, shocked Mexico and the Cuban migrant community. The young woman, mother of a small child and the primary breadwinner for her family in Holguín, had immigrated to Mexico in search of better opportunities.

In the early hours of the attack, six men on motorcycles burst into the establishment, fired shots at those present, and doused the area with gasoline before setting it on fire.

The assailants shouted, “That’s what you get for not paying,” in what would have been a case of extortion. Elianis died from carbon monoxide poisoning, along with a DJ and several employees of the establishment.

His family, residing in a rural area of Holguín, had to identify the body via video call due to a lack of resources to travel. Days later, Mexican authorities granted humanitarian visas to his parents so they could arrive in Puebla and complete the repatriation procedures.

The Attorney General's Office of the State of Puebla confirmed the arrest of Gabriel N., alias “El Tato”, identified as a suspected perpetrator of the attack. This capture, the result of an interagency operation, marks the first step toward justice for the family of the young woman.