Two Stabbings Shock Santiago de Cuba in a Single Day

The city of Santiago de Cuba has been rocked by violence yet again as two stabbing incidents occurred within a span of 24 hours. One resulted in a tragic death, while the other left a young man fighting for his life.

Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported on Facebook that one of the incidents took place on Avenue 40 in the Nuevo Vista Alegre neighborhood. Yudel Vegue Kindelán suffered two stabs, including one to the neck, leaving him critically wounded. Since 7:00 a.m., he has been undergoing surgery at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital.

Family members recounted that Yudel managed to reach the neighborhood clinic on his own despite bleeding heavily. He received initial medical attention there before being rushed to the provincial hospital by ambulance. As of now, the identity of the attacker and the motive remain unknown, and Yudel's family claims that authorities have not made their presence known at the scene, according to Mayeta.

In a heartfelt plea, Yudel's sister, Samanta Vegue, reached out publicly in the comments section to find the assailant. She expressed how their mother is distraught and Yudel's young child remains unaware of the incident. "This is a grave and sad matter... if anyone has information or clues, please share them with me privately," she implored.

Samanta warned that if the attacker's family sees her message, they should turn him in, as "those who harbor him will also face justice, and it won't be mild." She added a spiritual note, mentioning that "there is an Almighty God above who will ensure everyone gets what they deserve," urging the perpetrator to repent and surrender as their only viable option.

Tragic Loss at a Summer Celebration

The second incident unfolded on Sunday night around 9:30 p.m. during a summer party on the local road between Palma and El Cobre, as reported by Mayeta in another Facebook post. Deniel Veranes, a father of two young children, was fatally stabbed in the heart. Witnesses stated that what began as a verbal altercation escalated rapidly when the unidentified attacker delivered the fatal blow.

The attack happened near the Dos Palmas highway. Deniel was urgently taken to Ambrosio Grillo Hospital, but medical staff couldn't save him. In the aftermath, his family and neighbors mourned him amidst sorrow and outrage.

Mayeta noted that this crime follows a recurring pattern: public events lacking security, excessive alcohol consumption, and a complete absence of preventive measures. While the community demands justice, the assailant remains at large, heightening fear in the streets of Santiago de Cuba.

Escalating Violence in the Region

Prior to these events, police in Palma Soriano arrested a young man accused of stabbing a nurse and injuring two others during a brawl, reinforcing a recent trend of violent incidents in the eastern province.

Meanwhile, in the capital, a particularly brutal homicide shocked a Havana community, highlighting the ineffectiveness of authorities in addressing the rising crime in residential areas. Additionally, a young Cuban teacher reported being violently assaulted in public, pointing to a lack of protection and official inaction despite the severity of the crime.

In another case that sparked outrage, a woman was murdered after repeatedly reporting her assailant three times, showcasing critical failures in Cuba's victim protection and violence prevention systems.