Cuban Community in the U.S. Shocked by Another Shooting: Suspect on the Run

Once again, the Cuban community in the United States is reeling from a violent crime involving fellow countrymen. This tragic incident claimed the life of Christopher Bles Venerio, a young resident of Houston, Texas. Christopher was fatally shot in the chest during daylight in a street in the city.

The alleged shooter, identified as Frank Alberto Suárez Valdés—also of Cuban descent—is currently evading law enforcement. The crime was partially captured on video, which has been shared across social media. The footage shows two men arguing from a distance, and within seconds, one collapses while the other sprints away. Despite the blurry quality, the video has led to Suárez Valdés being named as the suspect.

Christopher Bles, originally from Havana, was married and father to two young daughters. News of his death has sparked a wave of grief and demands for justice among the community. Greetcheen Valdés, a close friend, took to Facebook to demand justice and offer a reward for information leading to the fugitive's arrest. "This killer is wanted, dead or alive, wherever he may be. A reward is offered for information on his whereabouts. No one has the right to take another's life... justice will be served," she wrote.

Community Calls for Justice Amidst Tragedy

The suspect, Frank Alberto Suárez Valdés, hails from the San Miguel del Padrón area of Havana. While it appears there were conflicts with the victim, the specific reasons behind the altercation remain unknown.

As the police continue their active search for Suárez Valdés, Bles Venerio's family and friends have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for funeral expenses. "We are trying to gather the necessary funds to cover the funeral costs and give him the dignified farewell he deserves. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated," the campaign message states. The case is under investigation, and authorities are urging the public to assist in locating the alleged killer.

Ongoing Violence Raises Concerns

The Cuban community in Houston and across the country is closely following the case, hoping for justice for another young man who, like many others, sought a better life in the United States. This tragedy adds to a recent incident in the same city, where another Cuban was fatally shot by a compatriot.

Ediesky Piñeiro, 34, a father of two young girls and a recent arrival to the U.S., was killed last Sunday after being shot directly in the chest when he answered the door at his southwest Houston home. The attacker, identified as Andrés Fernández de la Paz, 36, was caught on video approaching the house, drawing a weapon from his clothes, and firing without saying a word. The crime occurred around 4:40 p.m.

Surveillance footage reveals that after the initial shot, the assailant attempted to re-enter the home to continue the attack but fled in a purple Maserati when he couldn't open the door. Piñeiro's wife and daughters were inside the house at the time.

Houston authorities confirmed the arrest of Fernández de la Paz the following day. The Police Department suggested that the murder might be linked to personal conflicts, as the suspect was reportedly involved with a relative of the deceased. These two violent episodes, occurring just days apart and both involving Cubans in Houston, have heightened concerns within the immigrant community.

The rising violence among those who came seeking a fresh start is alarming both residents and community organizations. They are calling for enhanced support, mental health attention, and social integration programs for newcomers. Meanwhile, the community demands justice for the victims and safety for their families.