A 50-year-old Cuban man, identified as José Antonio "N," has been transferred to Cancún's Social Reintegration Center (CERESO) after being formally charged with femicide. He allegedly stabbed his former partner in a bar's kitchen before attempting suicide by ingesting muriatic acid.
The Attorney General's Office of Quintana Roo confirmed today that an arrest warrant was executed against him for the crime of femicide. This followed his release from the General Hospital on Saturday, where he had been admitted since last Tuesday, as reported by local media outlet Por Esto.
Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is a highly corrosive substance often used for industrial and household cleaning. Its ingestion can lead to severe burns in the mouth, throat, and stomach, as well as serious internal damage, respiratory failure, and even death, depending on the quantity consumed and the speed of medical intervention.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, May 5, inside the bar "La Hija de Cuauhtémoc," situated on Cancún Avenue in the Supermanzana 510, just a short distance from Chac Mool Avenue.
Details of the Incident
Investigations revealed that José Antonio grabbed a knife from the establishment's kitchen, where both he and the victim worked, and repeatedly stabbed her. The victim, a 33-year-old Cuban woman, was found without vital signs when paramedics from the Medical Emergencies and Rescue Squad (ERUM) arrived on the scene.
Witnesses to the attack, who were coworkers, fled out of fear of being targeted themselves. The motive for this brutal act was reportedly the end of their romantic relationship; the victim had ended things a month prior and resisted his persistent attempts to reconcile.
After committing the crime, the accused left the bar on foot and ingested muriatic acid in an attempt to end his life, though he only sustained internal injuries. Officers from the Quintana Roo Police Department found him nearby in Region 510 during routine patrols.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Context
Upon his arrest, José Antonio had visible stains on his clothes and, according to a police statement, reacted by shouting insults and physically and verbally attacking the officers.
This case adds to a troubling pattern of gender-based violence against Cuban women murdered by their partners abroad. Independent observatories OGAT (Alas Tensas) and Yo Sí Te Creo Cuba documented 12 such femicides outside Cuba in 2025, with Mexico being one of the countries with the highest incidence.
Cancún is home to a significant Cuban migrant community, many of whom work informally in bars and restaurants, as was the case for both individuals involved in this crime.
By May 4, 2026, Cuba had already recorded 21 femicides, with 83.3% committed by partners or ex-partners in 2025, highlighting the severe gender violence issue on the island.
Just days before this incident, another Cuban man faced legal proceedings in Cancún for assaulting his partner on a public bus, indicating a worrying trend among Cuban migrants in the area.
José Antonio "N" is now under the custody of a Control Judge at CERESO, facing charges of femicide—a crime in Mexico that can result in sentences of up to 60 years in prison.
Understanding Femicide and Legal Proceedings in Mexico
What is considered femicide in Mexico?
Femicide in Mexico is defined as the intentional murder of a woman because of her gender. It is considered a serious crime with severe legal consequences.
What are the potential penalties for femicide in Mexico?
In Mexico, those convicted of femicide can face up to 60 years in prison, depending on the circumstances and severity of the crime.
How prevalent is gender-based violence in the Cuban community abroad?
Gender-based violence is a significant issue, with independent observatories reporting numerous cases of Cuban women being murdered by their partners abroad, particularly in countries like Mexico.