A shocking act of violence has rattled the town of Placetas in Villa Clara, as a couple was discovered dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Reports on social media suggest that the man, known as El Caña, allegedly killed his partner, Rosa Delia Morales, before taking his own life. Family members found the bodies after two days without any contact.
Neighbors described El Caña as a calm and cheerful individual, adding to the shock and disbelief surrounding the tragedy. Friends and close acquaintances of Rosa Delia have shared heartfelt messages of sorrow and remembrance. "My dear friend, my mentor... we will always remember the times we shared," wrote a close friend.
The incident has deeply affected the community, which remembers Rosa as a beloved and respected woman, now another victim of the pervasive gender violence plaguing the island. A niece expressed gratitude for the support received, saying, "Thank you all for your beautiful comments about my aunt. May God guide me to be as wonderful as she was."
In just two weeks, at least three femicides have shaken Cuba, leaving devastated families and outraged communities. In Holguín, at the beginning of August, Milagros Batista Estévez, 56, was stabbed by her ex-partner José Matos, despite having reported him to the authorities three times with no action taken. At the time of the murder, a six-year-old girl and a nine-month-old baby were inside the residence. "This crime could have been prevented," stated the victim's son.
Shortly after, in Centro Habana, a young woman was murdered in a home on Amistad Street, allegedly by her partner, who wandered the area before surrendering to the police. Neighbors described her as "a good girl" and the financial supporter of the aggressor.
Meanwhile, in Boyeros, Havana, Bárbara Elena Tejería Magdaleno, a mother of three, was brutally attacked by her ex-partner while trying to collect her belongings. Her body was found days later in a field in Las Cañas, severely decomposed. The alleged attacker was found dead in nearby bushes.
Typically, Cuban authorities have remained silent on these recent cases. Independent feminist organizations like YoSíTeCreo en Cuba have counted 26 femicides in 2025 so far, along with a gender-related male murder and two attempted femicides, while investigating four more alerts in Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara, and Camagüey.
The grief in Placetas and the mourning of Rosa Delia Morales' family and friends echo the cries of many communities across the island demanding concrete measures to combat gender violence. "Eternal light for you, angel of love. I will never forget you, my dear Rosa," wrote another friend online. This sentiment reflects the ongoing wound in Cuba, where each new femicide highlights the vulnerability of women and the lack of an effective state response.
Addressing Gender Violence in Cuba
What recent incident shocked the town of Placetas?
A couple was found dead in Placetas, Villa Clara, in an apparent murder-suicide involving Rosa Delia Morales and a man known as El Caña.
How many femicides have occurred in Cuba recently?
In the past two weeks, at least three femicides have taken place in Cuba, adding to the 26 counted by YoSíTeCreo en Cuba in 2025.
What role do independent organizations play in addressing femicides in Cuba?
Organizations like YoSíTeCreo en Cuba track femicides and advocate for measures to combat gender violence, as the government often remains silent.
What details are known about the murder in Holguín?
Milagros Batista Estévez was murdered by her ex-partner José Matos despite previous reports to authorities, with a child and a baby present during the crime.