Alleged Suspect in Child’s Death in Artemisa Apprehended

The mysterious disappearance and subsequent discovery of the lifeless body of young Nelson Thiago García Lugones, a mere six years old, has rocked the community of El Chumbo in Alquízar, Artemisa province, since late October, sparking widespread outrage across Cuba.

Recently, journalist José Luis Tan Estrada reported that the alleged murderer of the child has turned himself in to the authorities.

The suspect is reportedly a man named "Juan Carlos," around 50 years old, who—according to sources close to the case cited by the journalist—is the "father of the mother's lover of the child."

The already shocking news is further complicated by emerging details: whispers of a cover-up, suspicions of broader involvement, and, above all, the heart-wrenching loss of a child described by those who knew him as cheerful, lively, and beloved by his community.

A Heartbreaking Discovery

Thiago was reported missing on Monday, October 20, in the afternoon, after going out to play near his home. His body was discovered hours later, past midnight, inside a deep well, shoeless, concealed by vegetation and covered with a sheet of zinc.

The location where the child was found—hidden, difficult to reach, and appearing to be deliberately obscured—prompted strong suspicions from the start that this was no accident.

The community, actively involved in the search, expressed their anguish and anger at what many from the outset labeled a crime.

Social media platforms have been inundated with messages demanding justice for Thiago.

Cover-up or True Culprit?

Although "Juan Carlos" surrendered to the authorities—according to Tan Estrada's report—a significant portion of public opinion remains skeptical about the man's direct culpability.

Some users suggest that the real perpetrator might be his son, labeled as the mother's "lover," and that the father might be taking the blame to protect him.

Comments like “To me, it’s the son who committed such a heinous crime… and the father took the fall,” and “That man has no reason to kill a child who is nothing to him. The most logical explanation is he’s covering for someone closer,” reflect this sentiment.

This shift in suspicions has increased public pressure on authorities to delve deeper into the investigation and fully clarify the case.

Thiago's mother’s situation has also been a topic of debate, not always with empathy. Some comments indirectly blame her for the people she allowed into her life and her child’s environment. Others, however, call for respect and compassion in light of her loss.

“She already has too much to grieve,” wrote one internet user, urging the journalist to remove a comment about her private life.

Tan Estrada responded cryptically: “If you only knew...”, hinting at sensitive information that remains undisclosed for ethical reasons.

This exchange has heightened public interest in uncovering the full truth behind the case, while also highlighting the tension between the right to privacy and the public’s right to be informed.

Community's Grief and Demand for Justice

Social media has become an emotional outlet for countless individuals. Most are calling for the harshest penalty, even the death sentence, which remains on the books in Cuban law, albeit rarely used.

“Let him face the harshest punishment,” “Children are untouchable,” “That monster deserves the firing squad,” cried several netizens.

Comparisons to other tragedies, fears of predators lurking within familial circles, and demands for exemplary measures have been recurrent themes in the comments.

As of the time this report was concluded, state-controlled media outlets had yet to confirm the arrest of the alleged perpetrator in the death of Thiago.