The individual responsible for the murder that took place last Sunday at the popular La Hormiga campground in the Fomento municipality of Sancti Spíritus has been apprehended and has confessed to the crime, confirmed the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) in the province.
According to a report by the local official newspaper Escambray, the perpetrator was captured less than two hours after the incident due to the swift action of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) and the cooperation of local citizens. Major Maibel León Rodríguez, the deputy head of the Criminal Investigation Body in Sancti Spíritus, provided this information.
The victim, identified as Rosa María Santana, aged 29, was fatally stabbed three times in the chest by her ex-partner, resulting in her immediate death. The tragic event occurred in the late afternoon at the mentioned campground.
The suspect, a 36-year-old whose name was not disclosed by the official newspaper, reportedly has a history of criminal activity and a troubling social behavior, according to the authorities. After committing the murder, he discarded the knife and fled the scene but was soon located and taken to the Provincial Criminal Investigation Unit.
During the investigation, the assailant admitted to his actions. As per the Penal Process Law, once the legal procedures are completed, the Prosecutor's Office will consider imposing a provisional detention measure, reported Escambray.
Rosa María Santana's death marks the 15th confirmed femicide in Cuba so far in 2025, amid increasing demands from independent organizations and civil society for the implementation of official protocols to prevent and address gender-based violence.
An initial report by Irma Broek and Reporte Cuba Ya identified the assailant as Yoandri Alonso, known as El Colorao, the victim's ex-partner.
Understanding the Impact of Femicide in Cuba
What measures are being taken to address gender-based violence in Cuba?
There have been increasing calls from independent organizations and civil society in Cuba for the government to implement official protocols to prevent and address gender-based violence. However, the response has been limited, with calls for more comprehensive and effective measures.
How did the police manage to arrest the suspect so quickly?
The suspect was apprehended less than two hours after the murder due to the rapid response of the Revolutionary National Police and the cooperation of local citizens, helping to locate and capture the individual.
Who was Rosa María Santana?
Rosa María Santana was a 29-year-old woman who became the victim of a fatal stabbing by her ex-partner. Her tragic death has highlighted the urgent need for measures to combat femicide and gender-based violence in Cuba.