Teresa Padrón, former manager and close friend of El Taiger, has expressed her outrage at the behavior of Damian Valdez Galloso during the interrogation he underwent after being caught in New York.
Padrón, who has been a key figure in the search for justice for the murdered singer, believes that Damian was caught off guard by a security camera video that he did not expect, but that, given the circumstances, he chose to stick to his story until the end, no matter how absurd it was.
“I think he wasn't expecting this video. Upon seeing it, he still maintains his stance. Perhaps he is even trying to convince himself of his own lie,” Teresa responded in a recent interview with journalist Javier Díaz for Univision.
When asked about her impression of hearing Damian and seeing the gestures he made, Teresa was straightforward.
“It makes me very angry. And I can't watch it all because it makes me very, very angry, because I can't believe that a person can laugh like that…”, he pointed out.
"You took the life of that man you say ate at your house and who was your brother," she concluded, referring to the cold-bloodedness of someone who was supposedly very close to the victim.
In a story posted on her Instagram profile, Teresa reiterated that her pain will not fade with time and that her fight will not stop.
“I will not tire of seeking justice for José. Not today, nor tomorrow, nor any day in this world”, she wrote, as a firm promise of memory, protest, and resilience.
"Even if justice is served, nothing, nothing will repair the damage or bring back what he was," she added, highlighting that punishment, no matter how just, will never be enough to compensate for the harm caused by the crime.
With sorrow, he also admitted that the one responsible "will never pay, not even with his life, for what he did to José." However, he demands that there at least be legal justice, real justice, in the courts, and that the case does not go unpunished.
Beyond the trial, Teresa also took the opportunity to make an urgent appeal for the release of El Taiger's artistic legacy.
In her opinion, it is inconceivable that, after El Taiger's death, his work is silenced: “I don’t understand how it’s possible that, at this point, it remains hidden, silenced, while others continue to benefit from what he created.”
Damian Valdez offers an unusual account of the events
The case regarding the murder of the Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar has taken a dramatic turn following the release of the police interrogation of Damian Valdez-Galloso, the only person accused so far of the crime.
In the three hours of recording provided by the authorities - and revealed little by little by the press in recent days - the accused did not deny having committed the murder, but also made serious accusations against the Miami police, suggesting that an officer might be involved in the incident.
Damian even stated that the authorities have manipulated the video from the security camera of a nearby house to his, images that have become crucial evidence against him.
During the interrogation conducted in New York, after his capture and 19 days following the murder that occurred in the early hours of October 3 in 2024, Valdez-Galloso appeared defiant in the face of the evidence presented by the detectives.
On multiple occasions, he insisted that the recording did not reflect the truth and went so far as to state: "You know I didn't kill him."
One of the most tense moments was when Valdez-Galloso stated that El Taiger arrived at his house accompanied by a man who, according to him, was a police officer and who, according to him, has been omitted from the recordings.
This omission, according to his testimony, was decisive in him leaving Miami after the incident. “I knew that someone from the police was involved in this,” he stated in a controversial assertion.
Accused of first-degree murder
Damián Valdez-Galloso has been formally charged with first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and illegal possession of a firearm. The trial is scheduled to begin in September.
The severity of the charges increased when, on November 27, 2024, the Miami Prosecutor's Office decided to elevate the charge from second-degree murder to first-degree, suggesting that they consider the crime to be premeditated.
He was ordered to remain in detention without bail since early November.
Frequently Asked Questions about the El Taiger Murder Case
Who is Damián Valdez and why is he being accused?
Damián Valdez-Galloso is the only suspect in the murder of reggaeton artist El Taiger. He is facing charges of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and illegal possession of a firearm. Valdez claims he did not kill the artist and has made accusations against the police, suggesting an officer's involvement in the crime.
What evidence is there against Damián Valdez in the El Taiger case?
The most compelling evidence presented by the prosecution is a security camera video that shows the murder of the Cuban reggaeton artist. In the footage, El Taiger is seen being shot and dragged by Valdez to a car. Despite the evidence, Valdez maintains that the recording was tampered with and that another individual was responsible for the crime.
Why is Teresa Padrón involved in the El Taiger case?
Teresa Padrón was the former manager and close friend of El Taiger and has been a key figure in the pursuit of justice for the murdered singer. She has expressed her outrage at the actions of Damián Valdez and has been an active voice on social media calling for justice for José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger.
What is El Taiger's family's stance regarding Teresa Padrón?
The family of El Taiger, represented by his cousin Yumirsis Lahera, has expressed their support for Teresa Padrón. On social media, Lahera described Teresa as the person who was a strong support for the artist, defending her against criticism and rumors. The family endorses her commitment to seeking justice for El Taiger.
When will the trial for El Taiger's murder begin?
The trial against Damián Valdez for the murder of El Taiger is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2025. Before this date, a preliminary hearing will take place on August 12 to confirm that both the defense and prosecution are prepared with all the necessary evidence.
Filed under: