Three individuals have been taken into custody following the discovery of human remains at a farm in Matanzas, as reported by a Facebook page linked to the local police in the area.
The incident took place in Cuatro Esquinas, a small rural community within the municipality of Los Arabos, specifically at the La Amelia farm.
"It was beyond belief for those who witnessed it: the remains of a man, scattered in two different spots on the property," described the post's author.
The motive behind the crime was robbery. The perpetrators were after the victim's money, clothing, and other belongings, but things spiraled out of control and they ended up killing him in his own residence.
"In a frantic attempt to cover their tracks, they removed the body from the house and concealed it on the farm, at the very locations where locals later discovered the remains," the report states.
The individuals arrested have been identified as Manuel Antuña Araujo, Danger Luis Zayas Álvarez, and Elio Elieser Álvarez Tamayo. The victim's identity remains unknown.
Escalating Violence in Matanzas
This incident occurs amidst a continuous rise in criminal violence in Matanzas. According to data from the Cuban Observatory for Citizen Audit (OCAC), the province recorded 503 verified crimes in 2025, the highest number in the nation.
Throughout the year, Matanzas has witnessed multiple violent events across various municipalities. In early August, a 19-year-old lost his life following a violent altercation at a recreational center in the provincial capital, with a 15-year-old detained as the suspected perpetrator.
Later that month, a man was shot dead in Limonar while attempting to close his home's gate.
Rural Crime Surge
Rural areas are also experiencing incidents of cattle theft, assaults on farmers, and the concealment of bodies in agricultural regions. In May, a man who worked as a horse-drawn carriage transporter in Cárdenas was found dead with a stab wound in his back.
The OCAC also recorded 721 reports of thefts in rural areas during 2025, along with 193 cases of illegal cattle theft and slaughter in the first half of that year. This reflects a persistent decline in rural security, exacerbated by the economic crisis the island faces after decades of communist dictatorship.
Understanding the Crime Wave in Matanzas
What was the motive behind the Matanzas farm murder?
The murder was motivated by robbery, as the suspects sought the victim's money, clothing, and other personal belongings.
Who were the individuals arrested in connection to the murder?
The individuals arrested were Manuel Antuña Araujo, Danger Luis Zayas Álvarez, and Elio Elieser Álvarez Tamayo.
How has crime in Matanzas evolved recently?
Crime in Matanzas has been on the rise, with the province recording the highest number of verified crimes in Cuba for 2025. Violent incidents have been reported in both urban and rural areas.