TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier helped secure an arrest warrant for Raul Castro. The former Cuban leader is being accused of conspiracy to commit murder. The more than 30-year-old case involves four Americans who were killed when two planes were shot down.

This comes after the 95-year-old, who was the country’s defense minister at the time, was indicted in federal court on charges of murder (four counts), conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, and destruction of aircraft (two counts) in connection to the deaths in May.

There’s a long line of pain from a political regime tied to Raul Castro.

“The people of Cuba have suffered through various centuries of this disqualification of socialism through their life,” said Sabrina Mujica, who is part Cuban living in Tampa.

She says she sees people in her community today who are suffering.

“Some of my people from church, some of their family members have died recently because of the political care that they can get there,” said Mujica.

When she and others learned state and federal leaders issued a warrant for the 95-year-old’s arrest Monday, they had mixed feelings.

“What are they planning on doing, burying him?” said Fernando Perez. “I think if they were going to do anything, they should have done it back then. Not now. It’s too late. What are you trying to prove?”

Castro’s charges stem from two humanitarian planes being shot down in 1996, killing four Americans. Uthmeier said the evidence is clear the murder took place.

“We’ve got to build a case here. We put forth evidence. We’ve got witness testimony. We’ve got detailed coordination’s between this spy ring that went back and ultimately led Raul Castro to order the murder of these individuals,” said Uthmeier.

The AG said he’s not ignorant of Castro’s age, but said his office stands ready to prosecute.

“Why are we doing this? Many of you will say he’s not going to be hauled into jail. It doesn’t matter. He’s not here, he’s not actually going to sit trial, it doesn’t matter. I’m here to tell you it matters,” said Uthmeier.

Mujica said the possibility of Castro being found guilty and held responsible for the alleged crimes could have generational impacts.

“And it’s important that we can see an accountability somewhere. Accountability is important. That makes infrastructures and people change hearts and minds,” said Mujica.

Uthmeier said they want to root out the fingertips of the communist regime from our communities.

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