In a shocking incident on June 4, a farmer nearly 70 years old was brutally tortured and murdered in his home in the rural area of Quintoque, located at kilometer 36 on the highway connecting Songo-La Maya with Guantánamo. This was reported by the independent media outlet Cubanet on Friday.
The perpetrators took advantage of the fact that Agustín Pellicer Charón lived alone, attacking him and later attempting to hide his body beneath wooden planks, as informed by neighbors who discovered the tragedy the following morning. In addition to the murder, approximately 15 heads of cattle were stolen from him.
Local authorities have detained at least six individuals connected to the crime, but most have been released due to insufficient evidence. The elderly man was allegedly tortured, bound hand and foot, and beaten to death. The nature of his injuries and the way his body was handled suggest the involvement of multiple people, as indicated by Cubanet.
Three weeks after the murder of Agustín Pellicer, no formal charges have been filed, and there is a noticeable lack of progress in the investigation. This has led to a growing sense of impunity among the rural population. The incident has instilled fear in the community, with residents expressing intentions to leave due to safety concerns.
Rising Violence and Cattle Theft in Santiago de Cuba
This case underscores a broader issue in the region: the increasing violence linked to cattle theft and illegal slaughter. Santiago de Cuba has reported the highest number of murders associated with this crime, with 38 cases between November and December 2024. This problem impacts various provinces and municipalities, severely affecting the agricultural sector and creating insecurity among farmers.
The lack of effective protection has driven many farmers to sell their livestock and abandon rural life, weakening the social fabric of Cuba's countryside. According to unofficial data, hundreds of illegal cattle slaughter cases were reported in the first half of 2025, although official figures have not been released.
Despite the government's implementation of an action plan that includes neighborhood patrols, the reactivation of cederista surveillance detachments, and farmer patrols, consulted ranchers warn that these measures have minimal impact. The main issues remain unresolved, such as the scarcity of supplies, feed for cattle, fuel, and, crucially, the lack of severe punishment for organized networks engaged in illegal slaughter and clandestine trade.
Understanding the Crisis of Cattle Theft in Cuba
What led to the murder of Agustín Pellicer Charón?
Agustín Pellicer Charón was targeted because he lived alone. The attackers tortured and murdered him, then attempted to conceal his body. They also stole approximately 15 heads of cattle from him.
How has the community reacted to the murder?
The murder has created a climate of fear within the community, leading many residents to consider leaving due to concerns over their safety.
What broader issue does this murder highlight?
This murder highlights the growing problem of violence related to cattle theft and illegal slaughter in the region, which severely impacts the agricultural sector.