Leonel García Álvarez, a 72-year-old Cuban-American, was found dead on Monday in the upper floor of his home located in Vedado, Güines, within the province of Mayabeque.
The news was first broken by crime reporter Niover Licea, who provided details about the discovery.
The victim's identity was confirmed through a comment left by his daughter, Yunima García, on Licea's TikTok post.
"That's my dad, his name is Leonel Garcia Alvarez. He was the best man in the world, noble and always helping everyone. He didn't deserve such a violent death. I hope they find the culprit soon and justice is served for my father," wrote the grieving daughter on TikTok.
Preliminary reports indicate that the body was found on the upper floor of the home, situated behind the Raúl Gómez school in Güines.
Traces of blood were discovered in various parts of the property, including the garage, which is believed to have been the entry point for the attackers.
Initial theories suggest that García Álvarez may have fallen victim to a knife attack.
The residence was equipped with security cameras, the footage of which is being reviewed by authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police units, along with canine teams, were deployed to the scene to conduct a search, although the dog concluded the trail without definitive results, as reported by Licea in his video.
According to reports, García Álvarez had lived in the United States for decades and had been residing in Güines for about a year after returning to Cuba to retire and spend his remaining years on the island.
On social media, family, friends, and acquaintances have expressed their shock and described the victim as a beloved and kind-hearted individual.
This incident marks the second death of a Cuban-American in their home in Cuba within less than two months.
The previous case involved a man named Ravelo, who was murdered in the Mantilla neighborhood of Havana. His family continues to demand justice, pointing out that access to the house was heavily restricted, suggesting that the attacker was someone known to them.
The murder of García Álvarez occurs amidst escalating violence in the municipality, as evidenced by the recent shooting death of Mariolis López Silio, a woman who was gunned down in broad daylight on the streets of Güines.
Güines has a documented history of violence: in 2023, two Cuban mothers were killed in separate incidents in Mayabeque, and in 2024, a 25-year-old woman was murdered by her ex-partner in the same municipality.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mayabeque Incident
Who was Leonel García Álvarez?
Leonel García Álvarez was a 72-year-old Cuban-American who was found murdered in his home in Güines, Mayabeque. He had returned to Cuba after living in the United States for decades.
What do we know about the investigation?
Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from García Álvarez's residence and have deployed police and canine units to investigate, although no conclusive leads have emerged yet.
How has the community reacted to the murder?
The community is in shock, with family and friends mourning the loss and describing García Álvarez as a beloved, kind-hearted individual who did not deserve such a violent end.