The brutal double murder of a father and his son at a farm in the Artemisa municipality of Candelaria remains unresolved, as the primary suspect is still on the run, according to a local police officer speaking to Martí Noticias. Francisco Torres Rodríguez, aged 80, and his son Yaciel Torres Remedio, aged 46, were discovered with their throats slit on September 5th at their farm, El Cusco, located in a mountainous area near the community of Las Terrazas. The bodies were found outside their home, scattered across the property, which supports the theory of a premeditated and violent assault.
To date, the authorities have yet to apprehend the alleged perpetrator. An official statement from Cubadebate acknowledged that it is believed "several individuals are involved." Among the circulating theories in the area is the involvement of an escaped inmate from the Ceiba 5 correctional facility, who was serving time for theft, and who supposedly acted alongside two other men.
According to Martí Noticias, this individual had previously threatened to kill his ex-wife, who resides in Bahía Honda. Law enforcement has stationed officers in the area to protect her while the manhunt for the criminal continues.
Local Reactions and Theories
Various theories have surfaced on social media and among local residents. One suggests the crime was driven by robbery, as the victims had recently sold a large number of pigs and sheep, leading to speculation that they possessed a significant amount of cash. Another theory points to a possible act of revenge, linked to the Torres family's refusal to shelter the fugitive.
The community has been profoundly affected by the crime. “No one here is afraid,” stated a resident of Bahía Honda to Martí Noticias, attempting to downplay the collective anxiety. However, the same troubling pattern persists both in the town and online: increasingly violent crimes, ongoing impunity, and official silence.
Statistics Contradict the Regime's Claims
The Cuban regime claims that crime rates are declining. Yet, the data tells a different story. From January to June 2025 alone, the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit (OCAC) verified 1,319 crimes, including 63 murders and 721 robberies, marking an unprecedented record that underscores the erosion of Cuban social fabric.
The deaths of Francisco and Yaciel Torres have not only left a devastating void in their family and community but have also become another painful emblem of the nation Cuba has become: one where a murderer can roam free, while citizens live with fear, frustration, and hopelessness.
Key Questions About the Artemisa Double Murder
Who are the victims in the Artemisa double murder?
The victims are Francisco Torres Rodríguez, aged 80, and his son Yaciel Torres Remedio, aged 46.
What is the main theory behind the crime?
The main theory suggests that the crime was either motivated by robbery, due to the recent sale of livestock, or as an act of revenge because the Torres family refused to shelter the fugitive.
What has been the response from local authorities?
Authorities have yet to capture the suspect, but police have increased their presence in Bahía Honda to protect potential targets while the search continues.
How does the crime rate in Cuba compare to the regime's claims?
The Cuban regime claims that crime is decreasing, but the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit reports a significant increase in crimes, including a record number of murders and robberies in 2025.