A 32-year-old man, Mario Leandro Duharte Cala, tragically lost his life on Thursday after being stabbed during a confrontation at a street party the previous Saturday. The incident took place on Calle 4 in the Chicharrones neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba.
According to accounts from neighbors and acquaintances, this violent encounter was not a random occurrence but rather the culmination of a longstanding dispute. "This all started over a year ago when a bicycle and a gas cylinder were stolen," a source close to local reporter Yosmany Mayeta explained.
The alleged thief had been sent to Havana by his family but recently returned to Santiago, leading to the fatal confrontation. "He arrived intoxicated, met the young man, and the fight broke out... he was stabbed twice," the source added.
Images circulating on social media capture the moment Mario was carried away to a hospital, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. Despite being admitted in critical condition to the intensive care unit, he was unable to recover.
Family members of the deceased have voiced concerns about alleged medical negligence during his treatment. "They turned off the air conditioning in the intensive care unit, and his condition worsened. The ventilator had flies on it," a relative revealed anonymously.
Mario passed away on Thursday night, and his body is being mourned in Santiago de Cuba, surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors.
Among the heartfelt tributes shared online, his sister, Lilly Pérez, wrote, "My beloved brother, I will cherish your joys, your smile, our crazy times, the challenges of 'who has the most beautiful curls.' I will hold onto your hugs, the last kisses I gave you while caressing your hair, imagining you were just asleep, my dear. I never imagined feeling such pain... I won't say goodbye to you, so until we meet again, my love, wherever you are... I love you."
As of now, the identity of the attacker has not been officially confirmed, nor has it been disclosed if they are in custody.
Questions About the Fatal Incident in Santiago de Cuba
What led to the altercation that resulted in Mario's death?
The altercation was the result of an ongoing dispute that started over a year ago when a bicycle and a gas cylinder were stolen.
What have family members said about Mario's medical treatment?
Family members allege there was medical negligence, claiming that the air conditioning was turned off in the intensive care unit and the ventilator had flies on it.
Has the attacker been identified or detained?
The identity of the attacker has not been publicly confirmed, and it is unclear if they have been detained.