The violent death of Juan Carlos Pérez, artistic director of Ciego de Ávila and a figure closely linked to the cultural life of the province for many years, has sparked numerous expressions of sorrow among family, friends, artists, and former colleagues, who remember him as a mentor, a generous man, and a professional who left a lasting impact on several generations.
Pérez was reportedly murdered inside his apartment, located on Simón Reyes Street, between Bembeta and Eduardo Mármol, in the city of Ciego de Ávila, according to information released by crime reporter Niover Licea, administrator of the page NiO Reportando Un Crimen, who attributed the details to a source close to the victim.
According to that testimony, Juan Carlos's absence began to worry family and friends. His brother reportedly went to look for him, and a neighbor, upon looking through a window into the apartment, noticed that it was in disarray.
Subsequently, Pérez's body was reportedly found inside a water tank at his own residence. The same source confirmed that the remains were taken out around 11:00 PM.
Another reported element is the presence of abundant detergent spread across the apartment floor. Neighbors suspected it might have been used to eliminate traces; however, there is currently no official information to confirm that hypothesis.
It was also reported about the possible theft of the victim's belongings, but it is unknown what items may have disappeared and whether an eventual robbery was related to the motive of the crime.
Niover specified that he still does not have information on how Pérez was murdered, the exact moment of his death, the existence of any signs of forced entry, the possible motive, or the identification or apprehension of suspects.
The version that it was a murder repeatedly appears in publications by people who knew Pérez, as well as in the reactions of family, friends, and colleagues.
The artist Alexey Fajardo López, who described him as a friend, mentor, and his "star artistic director," expressed his shock at "having been murdered without compassion" and recalled that Pérez was the first person who believed in him to perform on the stage of the Teatro Principal.
Also, Salamandra Ballester said goodbye to him as a friend and recalled the help she received from Pérez in 2000. Referring to his death, she expressed sorrow over losing another friendship "in the same circumstances" and questioned how someone could take another person's life.
The displays of affection also reveal the significant role Pérez played within the artistic environment of Avileño.
Verona Bonce described him as "a man of art and a friend to all" and recalled his strong connection to the Teatro Principal, a venue where he claimed to have left an "indelible mark."
Belkis María, who claimed to have shared numerous events with him, recalled how much she learned by his side and a phrase that Pérez used to tell her: "the theater belongs to you too."
Particularly emotional was the message from María Albertina Jiménez Cano, who referred to Pérez as her godson and recalled that he was one of her main supports when she started as the director of the Theater. "I don't know who could have done this outrage," she lamented.
Other professionals highlighted his teaching. Josefina Carbonell Sorí expressed gratitude for his contributions to musical events, describing him as "a master" in his role as artistic director, while Héctor Luis de Posada stated that he had worked with him "countless times" and recalled him as a respectful professional.
Farewells are repeated among those who were under his guidance. One remark describes him as "a teacher and mentor to generations in the cultural sphere," while another refers to him as "the professor of the professors of art."
The pain also extended to his family. Orosmaidys Rodríguez, who identified Pérez as her cousin, called on the authorities to find the responsible party: "they should catch the culprit for such wickedness."
The shock over the circumstances of the death is also reflected in numerous messages. Carmen Hernández Peña encapsulated the feelings of many by pointing out that the most difficult part was not just the loss of Juan Carlos, but "the how," and she questioned the violence and the impunity.
So far, no official information from the Cuban authorities has emerged in the reviewed sources that clarifies the circumstances of the murder or confirms the existence of any detainees. Public searches conducted have also not provided, at this time, an additional official or journalistic source that allows for an independent verification of the details surrounding the discovery of the body.
While responses regarding what occurred are awaited, the numerous farewells converge on an image of Juan Carlos Pérez: a man deeply connected to the Teatro Principal and the culture of Ciego de Ávila, a mentor to generations and a respected professional, whose passing has caused a profound upheaval among those who worked, learned, and shared experiences with him.
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