Authorities in Santiago de Cuba have reported the arrest of the suspected killer of a young man in the town of Cuatro Caminos, located in the Songo La Maya municipality.
The official newspaper Sierra Maestra, in its print edition, noted that the suspect was apprehended within seven hours following a police operation that was supported by the local community, a move that was hailed as a success.
According to the state-run media, the victim, Hernán Casternaux Serrano, aged 31, succumbed to gunshot wounds. The firearm used in the crime was also retrieved during the suspect's arrest.
The suspect has been handed over to the courts by the National Revolutionary Police and is expected to face a stern penalty as per the Penal Code.
The tragic event unfolded in the early hours of Sunday in Cuatro Caminos. While Sierra Maestra did not elaborate on the motive, family members recounted that Casternaux attempted to break up a fight at a party when one of the individuals involved retrieved a gun and fatally shot him in the head.
"The assailant fled the scene, but due to the swift response of the police, he was captured just hours later," stated a source involved in the investigation.
The police operation included patrols and searches in nearby rural areas within the Songo La Maya region.
Casternaux's death has sent shockwaves through the community. His cousin, Zenia Kindelán Serrano, expressed her grief on social media: "We lost Hernán, a kind soul with a broad smile. He left behind two daughters and a devastated family."
The young man, remembered as peaceful and hardworking, was laid to rest at Santana Cemetery after being mourned at home.
This tragedy is another blow to a family already scarred by violence: in 2019, Hernán's father, Alexis Casternaux Medina, was murdered by his partner and three accomplices in a case that stunned the province.
"First the father, now the son. It's a pain beyond words," remarked a close neighbor.
Community Impact and Legal Proceedings in Cuatro Caminos
What led to the arrest of the suspect in Cuatro Caminos?
The suspect was arrested within seven hours due to a swift police operation supported by the local community, showcasing the effectiveness of the coordinated efforts.
How has the community reacted to Casternaux's death?
Casternaux's death has deeply affected the community, with residents expressing shock and grief, particularly given the family's previous encounter with violence.
What were the circumstances surrounding the shooting?
The incident occurred during an attempt by Casternaux to intervene in a fight at a party, resulting in him being shot in the head by one of the participants.