The heartbreaking death of young Cuban Elianis Betsalie Martínez, known affectionately as Karen or "La China" by her friends, continues to stir emotions both in Mexico and Cuba.
Nearly two weeks after the violent assault on the Lacoss bar in Puebla, where she was employed, new details have emerged confirming her official identification, the process for the repatriation of her remains, and insights into her life and financial struggles.
Remote Identification and Family Struggles
Elianis, only 20 years old, was officially identified remotely—a rare procedure facilitated by Puebla's General State Prosecutor's Office (FGE), given that her family resides outside Mexico.
According to Imagen Poblana, authorities used a Zoom video call for the official proceedings. Her aunt, Sarahí González, who lives in Spain, recognized Elianis during the session, which included her grandfather.
The family completed an Ante Mortem questionnaire, providing physical characteristics, unique identifiers, and dental history. Subsequently, a team of forensic experts analyzed post mortem data, ultimately confirming her identity.
The FGE emphasized the process's transparency and diligence, reiterating their commitment to supporting the family throughout this ordeal.
Repatriation Efforts and a Distant Mourning
With Elianis's identity confirmed, her aunt, who stepped in due to her mother's inability to travel, will initiate the procedures for cremation and the transportation of the ashes to Banes, in Cuba's Holguín province, where Elianis was born.
The request for repatriation was made by her mother, Sailianisbel González, who lives in a remote, economically disadvantaged area, making travel impossible.
As reported by La Jornada de Oriente, the mother mentioned that poor phone and internet signals complicated initial communications. In a radio interview, she rejected claims that her daughter was a victim of human trafficking, stating that Elianis had moved to Mexico in search of better economic opportunities.
She also clarified that her daughter wasn't working on the night of November 18, during the attack, but had gone to the bar to meet friends.
An Atrocious Crime: "For Not Paying"
The incident occurred shortly after 3:30 a.m. at Lacoss bar on Puebla's National Avenue. Six men on motorcycles stormed the venue, with five entering and threatening the 14 occupants with firearms. They then doused the establishment with gasoline and set it ablaze.
A vehicle parked outside, reportedly the manager's, was also torched. Before leaving, the assailants warned, "That's what happens for not paying," suggesting possible extortion or protection money demands.
The fire lasted 15 to 20 minutes. Elianis succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, along with three others. A fifth victim died outside while receiving medical care, and a sixth passed away the following day in the hospital. The deceased included a DJ, several waiters, and the young Cuban woman.
State prosecutors have identified a potential suspect behind the attack, based on survivors' testimonies, with an arrest warrant expected soon.
Violence Context and Lacoss Bar's History
This attack has reignited concerns over escalating violence in Mexico, particularly in nightlife venues linked to extortion networks and organized crime.
While Puebla's municipality confirmed Lacoss bar operated legally, in 2023, the FGE rescued a minor allegedly exploited at the site, hinting at past illegal activities or worker safety risks.
The Other Side of Elianis: Mother, Daughter, and Family Breadwinner
Elianis's story mirrors that of many migrant women driven by poverty into precarious situations.
According to La Jornada de Oriente, much of her earnings as a dancer at various nightclubs went towards supporting her mother and her two-year-old son, Cristopher. Monthly remittances ranged from 2,000 to 5,000 Mexican pesos, equivalent to 108 to 272 dollars.
Though her social media profiles depicted a life of "luxury," the FGE confirmed that many items in her photos belonged to acquaintances, debunking the notion of a comfortable lifestyle.
Elianis Martínez's case has left deep wounds. For her family, the tragedy unfolds from afar, with the agony of being unable to be physically present. For the Cuban migrant community, it marks another painful chapter of young people leaving the island for a better future, only to become ensnared in violent circumstances.
Key Questions About Elianis Martínez's Murder Case
What was the process used for Elianis Martínez's identification?
Elianis Martínez was identified through a remote procedure using a Zoom video call, facilitated by the General State Prosecutor's Office of Puebla. Her aunt in Spain and her grandfather were present for the official identification.
What were the circumstances of the attack on the Lacoss bar?
The attack at Lacoss bar involved six men on motorcycles. They threatened patrons with firearms, set the bar on fire using gasoline, and torched a vehicle outside. The assailants implied the attack was due to non-payment, suggesting extortion motives.
What challenges did Elianis's family face in repatriating her remains?
Elianis’s mother, living in a remote part of Cuba, faced communication hurdles due to limited phone and internet access. Her aunt in Spain initiated the repatriation process, as the mother was financially unable to travel to Mexico.