The Cuban police have successfully apprehended Arisley Cabeza Reyes, also known as Perico, who is believed to be responsible for the murder of a father and his son in Artemisa province. The Facebook page, Artemisa Rebelde, affiliated with the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, announced the arrest, noting that Cabeza Reyes attempted suicide during his capture. After sustaining injuries, he was urgently transported to the hospital in Bahía Honda municipality, and later transferred to Calixto García Hospital in Havana, where he remains under police supervision. Once he recovers, he will face the prosecution for the crime that has shocked the Artemisa community.
The arrest follows reports from independent media outlets that criticized the lack of progress in the investigation, stirring fear and outrage among local residents.
Brutal and Premeditated Crime
On September 5, the lifeless bodies of Francisco Torres Rodríguez, 80, and his son Yaciel Torres Remedio, 46, were discovered at their El Cusco farm in the mountainous area of Candelaria municipality, near Las Terrazas community. Both victims showed signs of extreme violence and were found at different locations on the property, supporting the theory of a calculated attack.
Initially, suspicion fell on Cabeza Reyes, who had previously escaped from the Ceiba 5 correctional facility while serving time for theft. Witnesses suggested that he may have acted with two accomplices, potentially driven by a motive of robbery or personal vendetta. The victims had recently sold a significant number of pigs and sheep, fueling speculation that the crime was economically motivated. Another theory posits that the Torres family refused to provide shelter to the fugitive, inciting his wrath.
Additional Allegations and Arrest Operation
Journalist José Luis Tan Estrada and the Facebook profile La Tijera reported that last Friday, Arisley Cabeza Reyes allegedly killed his ex-partner in San Cristóbal. Furthermore, he had reportedly threatened the life of his daughters' mother, residing in Bahía Honda, where three young girls live.
The apprehension of this violent fugitive came after an intense police operation, bringing an end to days of unrest in Artemisa, as Cabeza Reyes posed an imminent threat to public safety.
Rising Insecurity in Cuba
The capture of Arisley Cabeza Reyes takes place amid a surge of violence impacting various regions of the country. Independent organizations like the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit (OCAC) have documented a significant rise in violent crimes in recent months. Between January and June 2025, the OCAC verified 1,319 crimes, including 63 murders and 721 robberies, which contradicts the official narrative from the Cuban regime claiming a decrease in criminal activities.
The double murder of the Torres family not only has left a deep scar on their community but has also become a symbol of the crumbling social fabric in Cuba and the growing sense of impunity that prevails.
Understanding the Crime Wave in Cuba
Who is Arisley Cabeza Reyes?
Arisley Cabeza Reyes, also known as Perico, is a fugitive accused of murdering a father and son in Artemisa, Cuba, and was previously serving a sentence for theft before his escape.
What were the circumstances of the murder in Artemisa?
The murder, which took place in September, involved the brutal killing of Francisco Torres Rodríguez and his son Yaciel Torres Remedio at their farm. The crime appeared premeditated, with both bodies showing signs of extreme violence.
How has the community reacted to the crime?
The community of Artemisa was deeply shocked and outraged by the murders, expressing fear and frustration over the lack of initial progress in the investigation.
What is the current state of crime in Cuba?
According to independent reports, Cuba is experiencing a wave of violence, with a significant increase in violent crimes such as murders and robberies, challenging the government's claims of reduced criminal activity.