In a startling revelation shared on social media, Nathaly Montero, a resident of La Güinera neighborhood in Havana's Arroyo Naranjo district, accused her own mother and stepfather of attempting to break into her home. Montero criticized the police's response to her report, expressing frustration over their handling of the situation.
The incident reportedly occurred around 1:00 a.m. this past Tuesday when Montero discovered her mother, Yahima Peñalba Cruzata, and stepfather, Adrián Martínez Sotolongo, in her backyard. Upon being confronted, her mother allegedly claimed she was hiding from her partner, who she feared would kill her. Montero dismissed this explanation as a fabrication, arguing that with numerous "paladares" open nearby, her mother had other options for refuge if truly in danger.
According to Montero, she overheard Adrián telling Yahima, "Get out so they don't make a fuss," before both fled across neighboring rooftops. Despite her immediate call to the police, they never arrived. When she later attempted to file a formal complaint at the Capri station, she was told the case "could not proceed due to family ties." Authorities cited Law 159 as justification for their inaction.
Outraged, Montero also reported hostile treatment from the authorities, who warned her that confronting the intruders could lead to her prosecution. "In my house, it's just women, a seven-year-old girl, and an elderly person," she highlighted, emphasizing their vulnerability.
The Alleged Police Connection
Montero further alleged that her mother and her mother's partner act as "informants for the police," which she suggests explains the apparent institutional protection they receive. In the concluding section of her post, she recounted a message relayed by an aunt from her mother, claiming that if they had truly intended to rob her, they would have succeeded without being detected. The only reason they were heard was due to an accidental noise in their zinc roof, Montero added, asserting that her mother and stepfather are "professional thieves" who regularly engage in such activities.
Social Media Outcry
Nathaly's post sparked a flurry of comments online, reflecting widespread societal discontent. Many users expressed disbelief at the notion of a mother participating in a crime against her child, with others deeming the situation unacceptable and urging Montero to escalate the matter to higher authorities like the Prosecutor's Office or the Ministry of the Interior.
Several commenters voiced skepticism about the police's conduct, pointing out the frequency of similar incidents going unpunished. Others stressed that familial relations should not equate to immunity, and justice must prevail. A smaller contingent expressed discomfort with Nathaly's decision to publicly expose her mother, arguing that while the situation is severe, "a mother is sacred" and family matters should not be aired on social media, highlighting a tension between familial loyalty and the obligation to report criminal acts.
In the comments section, Montero reiterated that her mother and her partner are involved in theft, often exploiting her mother's slight frame to gain entry into homes. Close sources to Montero indicated that her mother has committed numerous wrongs against her in the past, negating any reason for leniency.
While rare, this is not the first time a family-related burglary or attempted burglary has been shared online. In June 2023, a Cuban resident in Italy reported her brother for allegedly breaking into her home after taking a set of keys from their father's home in the Colón neighborhood of Central Havana.
Questions About Intrafamily Crime in Cuba
How did Nathaly Montero react to the alleged burglary attempt?
Nathaly Montero reported the incident on social media and criticized the police for their inadequate response. She expressed concern about the vulnerability of her household, which consists solely of women and a child.
What legal obstacles did Montero face when reporting the crime?
Montero was informed by the police that her case could not proceed due to familial ties, with authorities citing Law 159 as the reason for their inaction.
What was the public reaction to Montero's social media post?
The post garnered a strong reaction, with many expressing disbelief and urging action by higher authorities. Some users, however, were uncomfortable with the public exposure of family matters.