The Miami police stated that the investigation into the crime that resulted in the death of the Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger, is currently a puzzle.
After the calls for justice following the artist being declared dead after receiving a gunshot to the head, authorities said it is a "very active" case that will require community cooperation to be resolved.
El Taiger was found on October 4 with a gunshot wound to the forehead in the back of a Mercedes Benz truck that was abandoned very near the Emergency Room of Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. An anonymous call alerted the police, who immediately ruled out the possibility that it was a suicide attempt.
Captain Freddie Cruz, spokesperson for the Miami Police, stated that they have identified the owner of the vehicle in which the artist was found, but they are not yet ready to make that information public, reported Martí Noticias.
In addition, he mentioned that they are looking for Damián Valdez-Galloso, alias "El Narra," who may have key information about the incident. He clarified, however, that he "is not the suspect" in the crime.
"He [Valdez Galloso] is not a suspect at this moment (...) We want to talk to him because we have information that he possibly has information about this case, because we need to capture the people responsible for this crime," Cruz added.
"We are trying to locate Valdez-Galloso, several days have passed since we started looking for him," Cruz stated. The police are offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who provides information about his whereabouts.
The spokesperson urged the community to report any information, no matter how minimal, that could assist in the investigation.
"If anyone saw a suspicious car or person, please report it immediately," he asked.
The place where El Taiger was found presented an alarming scene: the vehicle was parked a few blocks from Jackson Memorial, one of the most important hospitals in Miami, and the artist was found in the back seat of the car. Authorities believe he was attacked elsewhere and then transported there.
In addition, gasoline tanks were found on top of the vehicle.
Sources close to the musician reported that the room where he was hospitalized had police custody. Cruz explained that the presence of officers at the hospital is a routine measure: "There are always officers in the hospital and outside patrolling."
Just a few hours ago, the authorities in Miami reiterated the request for support from the public: "We need your help. Damian Valdez-Galloso is wanted for questioning regarding the murder of Cuban artist José Manuel Carvajal, known as 'El Taiger.' The murder took place near N.W. 9th Ave and 17th St. on October 3, 2024. If you have seen Damian or have any information, please come forward. You can remain completely anonymous, and there is a reward of up to $5,000 for tips that help solve this case. Call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477 or visit CrimeStoppers305.com. Every bit of information counts."
The day before, lawyer Mayron Gallardo explained to journalist Mario J. Pentón that the person behind the crime will face a homicide case with first-degree felony charges, which can be punishable by death, because the crime was apparently premeditated.
The agents reported that El Taiger's case "was not a suicide attempt, it was a criminal act."
Gallardo added that "the person responsible for a crime like this has no right to bail; they will be in custody the entire time following the arrest," he detailed.
He argued that the location of the shot against El Taiger indicated that it was a premeditated crime. He also recalled that gasoline cans were found in the car, which drew the attention of the police.
"It is something that, according to the laws of criminal cases, when a homicide case is brought, this is interpreted as a super violent crime that is punished even with the death penalty," he clarified.
Gallardo stated that the arrest warrant against El Narra was sent to all 49 states after it was issued.
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