The city of Santiago de Cuba remains in shock following the horrific murder of retired Ángel Luis Mercantety Quiñones, whose dismembered body was found in the Abel Santamaría neighborhood. The case, which initially stunned the public, has revealed even more disturbing details, as reported by Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook.
Confession of the Accused
On August 27, the main suspect, José Luis Fernández Torres, aged 60, confessed to authorities that he dismembered his victim. He admitted to dumping the hands and feet "gradually" into a stream near the entrance to the Micro 1B neighborhood. After providing these details, Fernández Torres was escorted from the police unit known as La Motorizada to the specified location. Witnesses reported that the man, handcuffed and dressed in a striped shirt, pants, and moccasins, directed investigators to the exact spot where he disposed of the remains.
Background of the Perpetrator
Sources close to the case reveal that Fernández Torres hails from Holguín, where his family resides, and worked in the Education sector in Santiago de Cuba. It is believed that he was scheduled to work in a special needs school this academic year, adding an unsettling dimension to the case due to his proximity to minors.
The Crime's Origins
Official investigations indicate that the crime took place on August 21 at the suspect's residence. That day, the victim and perpetrator were drinking rum together when a debt-related argument escalated into violence. According to Fernández Torres's confession, he struck Mercantety Quiñones with a metal pipe, causing his death. He then dismembered the body and hid parts in two refrigerators.
Chilling Discoveries
During the search of the residence, investigators found evidence suggesting an unusual level of cruelty, including:
- A jar containing human fat.
- Two containers with fried meat.
- A bag with ribs buried in the apartment's yard.
Some remains were discarded in a stream, while on August 26, community service workers found the elderly man's head in a trash bin in front of the last bus stop at Abel Santamaría. The magnitude of these findings has raised suspicions of potential cannibalism, although authorities have not confirmed this theory.
Public Outcry and Justice Demand
The murder of Ángel Luis Mercantety Quiñones is deemed one of the most heinous in recent Cuban history. The brutality of the events and the apparent coldness of the accused have caused widespread repulsion among citizens. Neighbors and acquaintances express their horror, demanding the harshest justice. "We've never seen anything like this; it's inhuman," commented a resident of the Abel Santamaría neighborhood.
The revelation of new details not only fuels public outrage but also strengthens the demand for an exemplary sentence. The case has become a symbol of deteriorating public safety and has placed the Cuban judicial system under scrutiny, now tasked with delivering a decisive response to a crime that has left a profound impact on the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Santiago de Cuba Murder Case
What were the main findings in the suspect's residence?
Investigators discovered a jar with human fat, two containers with fried meat, and a bag with ribs buried in the yard of the apartment.
What triggered the violence between the victim and the suspect?
The violence was triggered by an argument over debts while the victim and the suspect were drinking rum together.
How did the public react to the details of the crime?
The public reacted with horror and demanded the harshest justice, expressing disgust and calling the crime inhuman.