The Cuban authorities have disclosed the identity of the individual responsible for the fatal machete attack on a man after a party in Báguanos, Holguín, early Sunday morning. The suspect was apprehended just hours after committing the heinous act. According to Facebook profiles linked to the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), Manuel Alejandro Prieto stands accused of murdering Orlandi Cuevas Hernández, whom he assaulted with a machete, inflicting fatal injuries during a heated argument in the street.
At approximately five in the morning, nearly two hours following the violent incident, law enforcement officers arrested Prieto in "El Manguito" as he attempted to flee the Báguanos municipality to evade capture, reported the government-aligned outlet "Cazador-Cazado." The report confirmed that the altercation, which escalated into the murder of Cuevas, stemmed from "personal issues" between the aggressor and his victim due to disputes that arose the previous night.
Local residents indicated that "both men exhibited unruly behavior, and despite being acquainted for a long time, the situation devolved into what was essentially a 'neighbor killing neighbor' scenario." The profile emphasized that the suspect "must face justice for his brutality because, regardless of their differences, no one has the right to take another's life in such a manner."
In the initial official statement regarding the crime, which has deeply shocked the community, authorities announced the suspect's arrest but withheld his name and photograph. They also verified that Prieto will face murder charges in court. Official sources labeled the incident as "isolated," a common narrative from the government and its media outlets, which often deny the rising tide of violent crime in the nation.
Government-affiliated profiles criticized those who shared images of the victim on social media, condemning such posts as unethical.
Understanding the Context of Violence in Cuba
What led to the fatal incident in Báguanos?
The incident was triggered by personal conflicts between Manuel Alejandro Prieto and Orlandi Cuevas Hernández, which escalated into a violent confrontation resulting in Cuevas's death.
How did the authorities respond to the crime?
Authorities quickly arrested Prieto just a few hours after the incident as he attempted to flee, and have announced that he will face murder charges.