Ernesto Iznaga Rodríguez, identified as one of the perpetrators in the horrific murder of two young individuals from Cienfuegos on June 29, was apprehended by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) forces early Sunday morning, according to official sources. The Facebook page "Las Cosas de Fernanda," which has followed the case closely, reported that the arrest occurred in the community of El Granizo, located in the Cumanayagua municipality of Cienfuegos.
The operation to capture Iznaga involved a collaborative effort by MININT, including special forces known as "black berets" and plainclothes officers, who stormed the area in search of the fugitive. "Here in El Granizo, it was quite a scene. The black berets and a bunch of plainclothes people came in and caught the killer, who was hiding at a neighbor's house. It seems he entered at night through the back that led to the woods, because no one knew he was there," a local resident shared with the media outlet.
The neighbor who allegedly sheltered the suspected murderer was also taken into custody. "And the bravado? They tied him up. Why didn’t he fight back against the officers if he was so tough? That's how cowards are, killing for nothing," the witness added. Iznaga's criminal history extends beyond the double murder on June 29. Residents in rural areas of Cienfuegos accuse him of other violent acts against farmers, including threats, assaults, and harm to their livestock.
Ongoing Hunt for "El Chivero"
Despite the capture of one suspect, the other alleged perpetrator, known as "El Chivero," remains at large. "He's running through the hills, barefoot and without food... the police are on his trail, and the farmers despise him, ready to work with authorities for his capture. He won't find refuge, and those who help him will meet the same fate as those who have previously provided aid to these shameless individuals," stated the official page.
According to "Las Cosas de Fernanda," numerous messages with information about other accomplices are being received. “We will soon expose his accomplices, as our followers have provided countless private messages revealing their involvement in these criminals' misdeeds. Expect our next publication, where we will disclose each of these shameless individuals so the authorities can act, and so every resident of Cienfuegos knows who they are," the media outlet revealed. The tone of the publication made it clear there will be zero tolerance for those who supported the suspects in the double murder.
The Tragic Night in Cienfuegos
In the early hours of June 29, near the "El 24" bar in Cienfuegos, a conflict escalated into violence, resulting in a double murder. The victims, Lester Leal and Luardys Agulle Jiménez, were brutally attacked while socializing with family members, including a pregnant woman and a minor, who were also injured. According to social media accounts, the altercation began inside the bar under the influence of alcohol and spilled out onto the street, where the tragedy unfolded.
Luardys' lifeless body was discovered at the scene, while Lester was transported to a hospital, where he later died. Public outrage intensified when the victims' families accused authorities of delays in police response and the transportation of the deceased, claiming they were told there was no fuel for the body retrieval. This accusation further fueled public discontent, already heightened by the crime's brutality.
In the days following the incident, the "Las Cosas de Fernanda" page confirmed the arrest of Yoslayny de la Rosa Rodríguez, owner of a Jagua brand motorcycle. Although De la Rosa Rodríguez was not the one who physically attacked the victims, he played a crucial role in the escape, transporting the two attackers on his motorcycle immediately after the crime, thus becoming a direct accomplice to the events.
Key Details About the Cienfuegos Double Murder Case
Who was arrested in connection to the Cienfuegos double murder?
Ernesto Iznaga Rodríguez was apprehended by MININT forces as one of the suspects in the double murder case.
What role did Yoslayny de la Rosa Rodríguez play in the crime?
Yoslayny de la Rosa Rodríguez, although not directly involved in the physical attack, facilitated the attackers' escape by transporting them on his motorcycle, making him an accomplice.
What has been the public reaction to the double murder in Cienfuegos?
The public reacted with outrage, particularly due to delays in police response and transportation of the deceased, which further fueled discontent over the brutal nature of the crime.