The Provincial Court in Santiago de Cuba has handed down prison sentences ranging from 28 to 30 years to those found guilty of the brutal murder of a security guard in Nuevo Mundo, Dos Caminos, on June 13, 2024.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that the victim, a nearly 60-year-old man working as a guard at a local cooperative, was killed with extreme brutality during a robbery attempt.
The assailants intended to steal a mule and, to silence him, they gagged him, stabbed him in the head and neck, and ultimately suffocated him by forcing a rock into his mouth.
Residents of the area revealed that the guard had warned his superiors about previous theft attempts and had even confronted a thief he recognized. Despite his warnings, no actions were taken, and he continued working extra shifts due to staff shortages.
Following the murder, several individuals were arrested, and a crucial testimony pointed to one of the suspects, who lived near the cooperative and fled after being tracked by a police dog.
It took over 18 months for the case to be brought to trial in December 2025, a delay that extended the family’s agony. Tragically, the victim’s mother passed away without knowing the outcome of the trial.
Ultimately, the court sentenced two of the accused to 28 years in prison and two others to 30 years. The victim's family noted that at least one person was excluded from the judicial process. Nonetheless, they expressed their gratitude for the journalist's support in their pursuit of justice.
"Justice arrived late, and the void left by the violence cannot be filled by years in prison. However, the truth has been documented, silence has been broken, and the victim's memory endures," concluded Mayeta Labrada.
Key Details About the Sentencing in Santiago de Cuba
What prompted the murder of the security guard?
The murder occurred during a failed robbery attempt where the assailants sought to steal a mule, and the guard was killed to prevent him from alerting others.
How long did it take for the trial to occur?
The trial took place more than 18 months after the murder, in December 2025.
What were the sentences given to the perpetrators?
The court sentenced two of the defendants to 28 years and two others to 30 years in prison.