In what may be the first reported femicide in Cuba for 2026, a mother of three was tragically murdered by a former partner just hours into the new year in Santiago de Cuba.
The victim, identified as Yuleidis Sánchez Rodríguez, 43, was a mother to two daughters and a 14-year-old son, according to a post by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on Facebook.
The horrific event took place on Thursday along the tourist road of the Altamira neighborhood, near the site of the former motel La Turbina, now known as Bella Vista.
Yuleidis had left her home early in the morning to deliver food to family members when she was ambushed by her ex-partner, Neudis Callis Cureaux, also 43, who is currently on the run, Mayeta reported.
According to the details shared, Callis Cureaux lay in wait for Yuleidis and inflicted two fatal stab wounds, one to her neck and another to her leg, resulting in her death.
Mayeta, citing sources, described the attacker as a "criminal" who was even shunned by his own family. He had repeatedly threatened Yuleidis after she ended their relationship. Callis Cureaux resides in the Nuevo Van Van district, known locally as "La Micro," within Altamira.
The journalist emphasized that "this femicide was not an isolated incident, but the culmination of ignored threats, leaving three children orphaned and a family shattered." He called for the immediate capture of the perpetrator.
In the comments section, a woman claiming to know the suspect revealed that he had frequently threatened a friend, sometimes wielding a machete. She alleged that despite being arrested multiple times for these threats, he was swiftly released due to his friendship with a local police sector chief.
Yuleidis's murder has not yet been documented by the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory or the Yo Sí Te Creo Cuba platform, independent organizations that maintain an unofficial record of femicides in Cuba. In the recently concluded 2025, these organizations recorded 45 cases of gender-based violence in the country.
As is often the case, Cuban authorities and state media have yet to report on the brutal assault that claimed the life of this Cuban mother, a tragedy that has sent shockwaves through Santiago de Cuba at the dawn of the new year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Femicide in Cuba
What is the significance of the first reported femicide in Cuba for 2026?
The first reported femicide in Cuba for 2026 highlights the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in the country, underscoring the need for immediate attention to preventive measures and justice for victims.
Who was Yuleidis Sánchez Rodríguez?
Yuleidis Sánchez Rodríguez was a 43-year-old mother of three children, including two daughters and a 14-year-old son. She was the victim of a murder committed by her former partner in Santiago de Cuba.
What actions have been taken in response to this crime?
Calls have been made for the immediate capture of the perpetrator, Neudis Callis Cureaux, who remains at large. The incident has also drawn attention to the need for more effective measures against gender-based violence in Cuba.