Randy Calderón, a Cuban known by the nickname "El Gorila," was discovered dead with signs of extreme violence at the Paso del Medio campground in the province of Matanzas. This information surfaced this week on social media and was confirmed by those close to the victim.
The victim, approximately 35 years old, served as the head of security at the very campground where he was assaulted, according to crime reporter Niover Licea.
Born in 1989 in the La Marina neighborhood of Matanzas city, Calderón was recognized across various neighborhoods in the province.
Earlier in his life, he worked as a bodyguard and security personnel associated with the entourage of Cuban baseball legend Víctor Mesa, who managed the Matanzas team "Los Cocodrilos" for over a decade.
Those close to him reported that he had recently lost his mother and had no children or close family network.
Unofficial sources also suggest he may have been involved in a past homicide incident, for which he allegedly served a sentence, though this detail has not been officially confirmed.
People who knew him described him as a man of great physical stature but with a kind nature. "Anyone who knew him understood that his size did not reflect his heart," wrote a close acquaintance on social media.
The Alleged Attacker and Attack Circumstances
Unofficial sources reported by Niover Licea identified the alleged attacker, known by the alias "Tito," who supposedly has a criminal record and a history of conflicts with others.
Initial reports suggest the attack was sudden. As of Wednesday, no official body has confirmed the attacker's identity or legal status.
The Grief of Those Who Knew Him
Social media was flooded with farewell messages following the news.
Lisneydi Mesa wrote: "Rest in peace, my dear. The pain of your loss is immense, my brother Randy Calderón. Your 'tata,' as you called me, will miss you greatly."
Eider Montalvo expressed: "My heart is shattered into pieces, my friend. Today Matanzas mourns for you, and you will always be in our hearts and memories. Now you're with your mother. Rest in peace, my blood."
A Crime Highlighting Cuba's Rising Violence
This incident occurs amidst a worsening trend of criminality in Cuba, markedly increasing since 2023.
The Cuban Civic Audit Observatory recorded 2,833 verified crimes in 2025, representing a 115% rise from 2024 and a staggering 337% increase compared to 2023.
Matanzas is among the hardest-hit provinces; during the first half of 2025, it saw 503 robbery cases, the highest in the nation. So far in 2026, the province has witnessed several homicides, including the murder of Yuliesvi Mato in Unión de Reyes on April 6 and the killing of a 23-year-old mother in Jagüey Grande on April 13.
On Wednesday, it was also reported that a suspect was detained for a crime in Cárdenas, emphasizing Matanzas' frequent appearance in violent crime reports.
Nationally, Cuba has confirmed 21 femicides in 2026, according to the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory. The community in La Marina neighborhood and around the Paso del Medio campground await answers that Cuban institutions have yet to provide.
Key Questions About Rising Violence in Matanzas
What was Randy Calderón's role at the campground?
Randy Calderón was the head of security at the Paso del Medio campground in Matanzas.
How does the crime rate in Matanzas compare to the rest of Cuba?
Matanzas is one of the provinces most affected by crime, with the highest number of robbery cases in Cuba for the first half of 2025 and a significant number of homicides in 2026.
Who is the suspected attacker in Randy Calderón's case?
An individual known by the alias "Tito" is the suspected attacker, reportedly having a criminal background and known conflicts with others.