The chilling case of the alleged "cannibal murderer" in Santiago de Cuba has once again shaken the city's residents following a large-scale police operation. This renewed fears that 60-year-old José Luis Fernández Torres may not only be responsible for the gruesome murder of Ángel Luis Mercantety Quiñones but could also be linked to the disappearance of other residents from the Abel Santamaría neighborhood.
Rumors had been circulating since Thursday, September 11, when independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported an unusual police presence in Micro 3 on social media. Confirmation came two days later through a Facebook post by researcher and professor Julio César González Pagés, providing more credibility to the reports and clarifying the situation.
According to both accounts, the operation began early Thursday morning at the building where the accused lived. Residents observed the presence of the Operational Guard, accompanied by high-ranking military and police officials, including colonels and lieutenants.
The operation, described as a potential "reconstruction of the events," reportedly involved transporting Fernández Torres from the police unit to his apartment under heavy security during a blackout, keeping residents on edge. The scale of the operation suggested it was a crucial step in the investigation.
New Discoveries and the Shadow of "Kukito"
Simultaneously, as the accused was moved, residents claimed authorities removed new human remains from an area behind the market and bakery in Micro 3. While the nature of these remains hasn't been officially confirmed, multiple accounts link them to the disappearance of a man known as "Kukito," who has been missing for months.
González Pagés expressed concerns that other missing residents might add to the list of victims, potentially marking the accused as a serial killer. In his post, he emphasized that silence surrounding these cases "only increases complicity with violence" and called for greater transparency and preventive measures.
A City on Edge
The proceedings against Fernández Torres had already shocked the public with macabre details revealed after his confession: the dismemberment of Mercantety's body, storage of remains in two refrigerators, a jar with human fat, jars of fried meat, and a bag of ribs. These elements fueled suspicions of cannibalistic practices, although they were never officially confirmed.
The recent police action has only heightened tension in Santiago de Cuba. Neighborhood residents report living in constant fear. "We don't know who they took out, but we do know the police are in that man's building, and Kukito is still missing," a local resident shared with independent media.
Demand for Answers
The lack of official information and the magnitude of rumors have left the city on edge. Santiago's residents demand clear answers and justice, not only for Mercantety's family but also for the relatives of others whose whereabouts remain unknown. "Silence in any case of violence is always complicit," González Pagés noted in his publication, stressing the urgency for authorities to confirm or deny circulating versions.
An Ongoing Nightmare
Nearly three weeks after Mercantety Quiñones's head was discovered in a garbage container, Santiago de Cuba remains trapped between official silence, rumors, and the echo of a crime that seems far from over. The possibility of additional victims makes this one of the most disturbing episodes in the city's recent history.
Meanwhile, the name José Luis Fernández Torres, the teacher accused of decapitation and murder, remains shrouded in mystery and horror. For many Santiago residents, the fear now is not just recalling what happened but the uncertainty of how many more victims may have been left in his wake.
As it stands, Santiago de Cuba waits in suspense, seeking answers that authorities have yet to provide, with the public growing increasingly impatient for resolution.
Key Questions About the Santiago de Cuba Investigation
What is the current status of the investigation into José Luis Fernández Torres?
The investigation is ongoing, with recent police operations suggesting that authorities are actively pursuing leads to determine the full extent of Fernández Torres's alleged crimes.
Has there been any official confirmation regarding the alleged cannibalism?
As of now, there has been no official confirmation of cannibalistic practices associated with Fernández Torres, despite the disturbing details reported.
Who is "Kukito," and what is his connection to this case?
"Kukito" is a local resident who has been missing for months. Recent findings of human remains have been speculated to be linked to his disappearance, though this has not been officially confirmed.