Landsrecherche has officially launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a detainee who was found unresponsive inside a police holding cell at the Santa Cruz Police Station, also known as the Macuarima ward. The case has raised serious questions and concern among the victim’s family.
The incident occurred on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at approximately 7:40 a.m., during a routine cell inspection. Police officers discovered that a male detainee was not responding. The individual was later identified as Ruben Dario Conde, a 45-year-old man originally from Colombia.
Upon discovering the situation, officers immediately alerted the Chef van Dienst, who in turn informed Central Police Dispatch. Following established protocol, all relevant authorities were notified, including Landsrecherche, the BFTO forensic team, and Police Technical Services.
Bureau Slachtofferhulp (Victim Support Services) was also dispatched to provide guidance and support to the family during this difficult moment.
Events Leading Up to the Detention
According to information provided, Ruben Dario Conde was born on February 10, 1980. After celebrating New Year’s Eve, he returned home around 3:30 a.m. to a residence in the Verano neighborhood, located below Sero Biento.
Around 4:00 a.m., fireworks were set off in the area, which reportedly startled him. Family members believe he may have mistaken the sounds for gunfire. Following this, he allegedly exited the house through a window and began damaging property inside the home.
Concerned for his safety, the family contacted the police, hoping officers would help calm him down. However, relatives later stated that when police arrived and began acting forcefully, they asked officers to withdraw, expressing their willingness to remain with him and de-escalate the situation themselves.
Despite these requests, Ruben was taken into custody and transported to the Santa Cruz Police Station.
Family Raises Concerns
At approximately 9:00 a.m., the family received a call from Bureau Slachtofferhulp, at which point they feared the worst and later learned of Ruben’s death.
Family members describe the circumstances surrounding his death as highly suspicious and are demanding clear explanations about what happened while he was in police custody.
This case adds to a series of past incidents in Aruba where families sought police assistance to calm distressed relatives, only for the situation to end in tragedy. Previous cases in Rooi Koochi and Sero Pita were referenced as examples that raised similar concerns.
Ongoing Investigation
With Landsrecherche now formally involved, all witnesses connected to the case are expected to be questioned. While surveillance cameras have been installed in cell corridors for many years, it remains unclear whether the holding cell at the Santa Cruz station was fully monitored and whether the footage captured the events inside the cell.
Authorities have not yet released further details. The investigation remains ongoing.
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