Michael Humberto Cruz Sánchez

“He went out to fight for justice!”

Murdered in Managua on April 20th, 2018

Michael Humberto Cruz Sánchez grew up in the heart of a large family. He was raised by his grandparents who were like his parents, and with his aunts, who taught him how to walk, talk, read and write. When he died he was 30 and the father of a seven-month old baby boy.

Elizeth Cruz, Michael’s aunt on his mother’s side, describes him as an excellent father who was responsible and loving. “He was good, happy and respectful, a young man with a beautiful heart. He was a homebody who enjoyed his family and his life with them. He was like his grandfather’s nurse because his grandfather was very ill. He gave him his medicines, took him to the doctor and was loving. He was attentive to him and went to see him everyday.”

She recalled that Michael also liked to share. He would have barbeques and host his friends. When his friends got together they would collect money to buy toys and food for children in the La Mascota Children’s Hospital. They also made piñatas. He liked to help the most vulnerable.

Daysi Cruz, Michael’s cousin, said that they were like siblings because they grew up in the same house. Michael liked riding bicycles and he loved cars. After they grew up they each went different ways but they kept doing things together and they shared friends. They had plans to start a family business.

Michael studied business administration and was a businessman but he went back to school to study project formulation and evaluation. He wanted to start a civil engineering business that would provide services in electricity and construction. “He wanted to develop as a person, as a professional and have stability. He thought of his family and his little boy’s future,” Daisy added.

Elizeth Cruz says that Michael had spoken to his mother on the phone one day before his murder and he expressed his indignation at the Sandinista Youth beating up the elderly who were demanding their rights. He adored his grandfather and he said that the attack on the elderly was unfair.

Michael joined the cause because, “he was hurt by the attack on the old people.” He was outraged by the blows to the elderly and he saw his own grandfather and grandmother in each of them,” said his aunt.

This led Michael to set out to the UPOLI on April 20th with water for the protesters. He wanted to help the students being repressed but he couldn’t get through with the car so he walked. The police opened fire on the young people who were barricaded there, after throwing tear gas at them. Michael was in an alleyway behind the UPOLI when he was gunned down with a shot to his chest. Testimonies and videos register images of policeman shooting protestors at close range.