Antonio Yemén, affectionately known as "Toñito" within his community, was discovered deceased at his farm in Cerrajón Arriba, located in the Manuel Tames district of Guantánamo. Local residents suspect a robbery aimed at stealing animals might have led to his untimely death.
Initial reports emerged on Facebook pages Nio Reportando un Crimen and El Más Puro Rodeo Cubano, which shared accounts from neighbors and those familiar with the area.
El Más Puro Rodeo Cubano identified Toñito as both a farmer and cattle rancher, noting that some of his livestock were reportedly stolen. The outlet highlighted the increasing vulnerability of rural workers in Cuba, who face frequent thefts and violence.
According to Nio Reportando un Crimen, multiple assailants allegedly broke into the property during the early hours of Tuesday morning, intending to steal animals.
The account claims the attackers took five cows, a mule, and several other animals. They allegedly tied Antonio with barbed wire and subjected him to severe beating.
The same report suggests that the victim died from strangulation, based on information supposedly gathered by investigators examining the case.
Antonio lived alone, and his farm was situated in a remote area. Social media narratives indicate that his body was found the following day, already in an advanced state of decomposition.
Both sources agree that several individuals have been detained as suspects, and the investigation into this horrific crime is ongoing.
Family, friends, and Cerrajón Arriba residents remembered Toñito as a beloved, hardworking man dedicated to his land.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of violence against farmers and ranchers in Cuba's rural areas.
El Más Puro Rodeo Cubano encapsulated the rural community's concern with a poignant question: "How much longer must our farmers and ranchers live in fear of losing their possessions or even their lives?"
In a similar case, farmer Osvaldo Carbonel was murdered in May in Segundo Frente, Santiago de Cuba, while attempting to reclaim stolen oxen.
Earlier, in June 2025, nearly 70-year-old Agustín Pellicer Charón was tortured and killed in Quintoque, Songo-La Maya, after losing around 15 cattle from his property.
In September of that year, a father and son were found murdered on their farm in Candelaria, Artemisa province.
The Manuel Tames district previously experienced a violent robbery against a farmer in September 2024. For that crime, a Guantánamo court handed down sentences of up to 25 years in prison by June 2025.
The Observatorio Cubano de Auditoría Ciudadana documented at least 193 thefts involving the pilfering and slaughtering of livestock between January and June 2025, underscoring the precarious security situation in Cuba's countryside.
Understanding the Challenges Facing Cuban Farmers
What has been the recent trend of violence against farmers in Cuba?
There has been a noticeable increase in violent incidents targeting farmers and ranchers in rural Cuba, often involving theft and assault.
How are local communities reacting to these events?
Communities are expressing deep concern and fear, questioning how long they must endure such threats to their safety and livelihoods.
What actions are being taken by authorities in response to these crimes?
Authorities are conducting investigations and have detained several suspects. In some cases, courts have issued long prison sentences to those found guilty.