A recent act of violence has shaken the province of Holguín, where a man has been apprehended for the brutal murder of his wife in a public street and the serious injury of his stepdaughter. The incident took place in the Cruce del Coco neighborhood, and according to the Facebook page "Realidades desde Holguín," which is close to police sources, the crime stemmed from "personal issues."
The report states the assailant used a knife to attack his partner, resulting in her immediate death. Amid the chaos, he also physically assaulted the woman's daughter, who sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where she remains under care.
Following the crime, the perpetrator attempted to flee the area, likely to evade capture. However, his escape was short-lived. A swift operation involving the Ministry of the Interior, the Police, the Technical Department of Investigations (DTI), and the Special Brigade of Holguín, with support from Camagüey's police forces and public cooperation, led to his rapid arrest.
"Did he really think changing locations could erase his crime?" remarked the post's author with irony, stressing that "justice is singular" and there is no escape for those who commit such violent acts. The suspect now faces a lengthy legal process for the two assaults, crimes that have sparked outrage within the local community.
The victim, remembered by friends and family as a vibrant young woman from Holguín, was mourned deeply, while hopes for the injured teenager's recovery were expressed.
Rising Concerns Over Domestic Violence
This tragic incident once again raises alarm in a society increasingly worried about the rise of feminicides and the lack of effective preventive measures. As of July 15, platforms like YoSíTe Creo en Cuba (YSTCC) and the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) confirmed 19 feminicides in Cuba in 2025.
The two most recent crimes occurred in rural areas of Cuba, highlighting the multiple vulnerabilities women face in the countryside, where structural gaps in protection, access to services, and institutional response to violence persist.
Both victims were young, students, and mothers. One of the victims, Melisa Rivero Bacallao, 24, was murdered on July 8 by an acquaintance near the Fructuoso Rodríguez council road in Limonar, Matanzas. Melisa was also a victim of sexual assault.
The second confirmed case involves Leysi Liettis Cascaret Casero, a 22-year-old medical student, murdered on June 7 by her partner and father of her one-and-a-half-month-old baby. This crime occurred in their shared home in El Manguito, La Maya, Santiago de Cuba.
Both cases, verified by OGAT and YSTCC, had been previously reported on social media and by independent outlets. By July 15, these organizations reported 19 verified feminicides for the year, the murder of a man for gender-related reasons, and an attempted feminicide. Additionally, alerts in the provinces of Artemisa and Havana are under verification, according to the sources.
Understanding the Rise in Feminicides in Cuba
What factors contribute to the increase in feminicides in Cuba?
The rise in feminicides can be attributed to systemic issues, including lack of effective preventive measures, cultural attitudes, and insufficient institutional response to domestic violence.
How are recent feminicides being verified in Cuba?
Recent feminicides are verified through platforms like YoSíTe Creo en Cuba and the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory, which confirm cases reported on social media and by independent media.
What is the public reaction to these crimes?
The public reaction is one of outrage and concern, with calls for more effective preventive measures and justice for the victims.