Tragic Loss in Cedros: 14-Year-Old Dania Lucía Cuevas Ponce Murdered After Rejecting Advances
On the morning of Wednesday, June 18, the peaceful village of Las Ánimas in Cedros, Francisco Morazán, was shaken by a heartbreaking act of violence. Dely Barahona, a 48-year-old man from the same community, was arrested for the brutal killing of 14-year-old Dania Lucía Cuevas Ponce.
According to police reports, Dania had firmly refused to enter into a relationship with Barahona, who then tried to force her to live with him against her will. When she resisted, the situation turned deadly. In a tragic moment of cruelty, Barahona pulled out a revolver and shot the young girl. Although he fled the scene, authorities swiftly apprehended him shortly afterward.
Dania was rushed to a medical center by her family, but despite their desperate efforts, she succumbed to her injuries on the afternoon of Saturday, June 21.
Investigations revealed that Barahona had been harassing Dania for some time. Although her family was aware of the harassment, fear of threats and potential reprisals had prevented them from reporting the abuse.
At the time of his arrest, police confiscated a revolver believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. Barahona now faces charges of femicide and illegal possession of a firearm, with the community demanding justice for the young victim.
The tragedy has left the community devastated. Family, friends, and neighbors mourn Dania’s untimely death, sharing messages of grief and calls for justice:
“We just have to pray for strength. She was just a child, her life cruelly taken away. The pain is indescribable.”
“Rest in peace, little one. Justice for my cousin.”
“My little girl, rest in peace; we miss you so much.”
“My little black girl, you’ve left us far too soon.”
Dania’s story is a painful reminder of the urgent need to protect vulnerable young lives and to stand firmly against violence and abuse.
