Young Cuban Killed in Havana While on Video Call with Father in the U.S.

A young man known as "Cuquito" was tragically killed on Sunday night in the Las Guásimas neighborhood of Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, while engaged in a video call with his father in the United States. The father, witnessing the attack unfold on screen, was powerless to intervene.

The murder occurred near the Leopoldito Martínez shelters on Mother's Day in Cuba, a fact that intensified the emotional toll on the victim's family and the entire community, according to reports from the Managua, Cuba group.

Residents of Las Guásimas have identified a man known as "El Guama," also a local resident, as the alleged perpetrator.

The Tragic Sequence of Events

Witnesses recount that earlier that day, the suspect had visited Cuquito's home to ask for rum, which was given to him on credit by Cuquito's mother, affectionately called "La Java." She had no way of knowing the horrific events that would follow.

After the assault, Cuquito struggled for survival. Some witnesses claim he ran injured towards his home, while others say he made it to his best friend's house, where he ultimately succumbed to his severe wounds.

Community's Heartbreak and Outrage

A neighbor at the local clinic described the scene as "heart-wrenching," adding, "There are no words to describe last night at the clinic—a young man full of life gone too soon."

Mandy Hernández, identifying himself as the victim's uncle, posted on Facebook: "They took my nephew from us. We were laughing and talking just hours before; there are no words to express this pain."

Another post depicted Cuquito as "the life of the party, the affectionate, respectful child full of virtues."

A fellow student described Cuquito as "the kindest and most decent young man" he had ever known, emphasizing his innocence and responsibility.

Speculation and Calls for Justice

Some online commentators suggested that the motive behind the crime might have been the theft of a cell phone, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Cuquito's mother, "La Java," is cherished by the community for her years of distributing bread and supporting numerous modest families in Managua and Las Guásimas.

The public's outrage was palpable on social media, with many demanding justice and condemning the lack of security and impunity prevalent in Cuba.

This incident occurs amid a growing wave of violence in Cuba. The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory recorded 2,833 verified crimes in 2025, representing a 115% increase from 2024 and a 337% rise since 2023.

Arroyo Naranjo has witnessed several violent crimes in recent years, including the murders of musician Rayne Paisan Dales in February 2025 and Diosdaysis Sandoval Damas in November 2025 in La Güinera.

One observer summed up the community's anguish with a poignant statement: "They killed the son and killed the mother in spirit too. This is truly hell."