In the early hours of Friday, a 26-year-old named Jesús Alberto Martínez Fernández reportedly lost his life following a violent incident near the Bar Galaxy, also known as El Villar, located in Palma Soriano, a city in Santiago de Cuba province.
The initial information about the incident spread via social media, shared by alleged family members, friends, and activists. As of now, Cuban authorities have not released any official statement regarding the situation.
Details of the Incident
According to accounts gathered by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his platform Kuba x Dentro, the incident began as a dispute among several young men, escalating into a physical altercation. Jesús Alberto reportedly attempted to intervene when he was fatally stabbed.
The victim's mother, Denia Fernández Rey—a former Lady in White, director of FLAMUR in Santiago de Cuba, and coordinator of the Women's Network in eastern Cuba—stated that the fatal wound was inflicted directly to the heart.
Claims of Threats and Systemic Failures
Denia also highlighted significant material shortages during the emergency: the hospital lacked a blood supply, there was no electricity, and an ambulance was unavailable to address the crisis.
Her accusations extend further; Denia claimed to have faced obstacles in retrieving her son’s body and reported being threatened by police officers and State Security agents during the funeral process. Independent sources have not been able to verify these claims.
Community and Family Reactions
Social media posts identified a man known as Wilfredo Vázquez, alias "Cueruso," as the alleged perpetrator. Reports suggest he has been located by authorities, though no official confirmation has been made.
A cousin of the victim, Osmay Quesada, expressed his grief on Facebook, stating, "They killed an innocent good son, good neighbor, good friend. What cowardice."
The funeral took place on Friday and saw a large turnout; hundreds of Palma Soriano residents joined in a lengthy motorcycle procession in the rain to honor Jesús Alberto.
Condemnation from Civil Society
Various civil society organizations issued condolences and demanded justice. As reported by Alas Tensas, the Cuban Women's Network identified Jesús Alberto as a leader in the opposition movement Impacto Juvenil and held the Cuban State accountable "for this event and the prevailing insecurity on our streets today."
Jesús Alberto's father, Alberto Martínez, is known as the director of the Republican Party of Cuba, positioning this family as a prominent opposition group in the eastern region.
FLAMUR labeled the incident as a "vile murder" and called for action to curb violence: "We cannot remain silent in the face of such barbarity. Crime and delinquency are taking lives and sowing pain among Cuban families."
Rising Violence in Cuba
This tragedy comes just days after the reported femicide of a 23-year-old woman in the same municipality on June 9, amid a sustained surge in violence in Cuba. The Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit reported 2,833 verified crimes in 2025, marking a 115% increase compared to 2024.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not provided any official information on the progress of investigations or the status of the alleged suspect.
Understanding the Incident in Palma Soriano
Who was Jesús Alberto Martínez Fernández?
Jesús Alberto Martínez Fernández was a 26-year-old who died following a violent altercation in Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba.
What are the allegations made by Denia Fernández Rey?
Denia Fernández Rey, the victim's mother, alleged that she faced threats from State Security and police officers and encountered difficulties retrieving her son's body. She also highlighted severe shortages in emergency services during the incident.
How has the community reacted to the incident?
The community showed significant support, with a large turnout at Jesús Alberto's funeral procession. Civil society organizations have issued statements demanding justice and highlighting the broader issue of rising violence in Cuba.