What we know about the investigation into El Taiger's murder as of today, October 12

The Cuban community has been shaken by the violent death of reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, known professionally as El Taiger, who was found with a gunshot wound to the head on October 3rd. As the investigation progresses, the Miami Police have revealed several important details that indicate this crime is a complex case still far from being solved.

The discovery of the body and the initial clues

On October 3rd, El Taiger was found seriously injured in the back of a Mercedes Benz truck that had been abandoned near the emergency room of Jackson Memorial Hospital. An anonymous call alerted the authorities, who immediately ruled out the possibility of a suicide attempt. The artist was declared dead shortly after due to the severity of the gunshot wound to his forehead.

The Miami Police have described the case as a "puzzle" and are urging the community to come forward with any information that could assist in solving it. According to police spokesperson Freddie Cruz, the truck where El Taiger's body was found has already been identified, and the owner is known, although that information has not yet been made public.

Damián Valdez-Galloso: key figure in the investigation

One of the names that has emerged in the investigation is Damián Valdez-Galloso, alias "El Narra," who has been identified as a person of interest in the case. According to authorities, Valdez-Galloso is not a direct suspect in the murder, but he may have crucial information to help unravel what happened. Valdez-Galloso was the last person to be with El Taiger the night before the incident and was the one who rented the hotel room where the reggaeton artist slept before being shot.

Currently, Valdez-Galloso is on the run, and the police have offered a reward of $5,000 for information regarding his whereabouts. This man has a criminal record that includes an accusation of sexual assault against a minor and an arrest for theft in 2021. Authorities have intensified the search and extended the arrest warrant nationwide, covering all 49 states.

The possible motives and theories

As the investigation progresses, authorities have made it clear that it was not a suicide attempt, indicating that it was a premeditated criminal act. The scene where El Taiger's body was found showed several alarming signs: in addition to the gunshot wound to the forehead, gas cans were discovered on the truck, leading authorities to consider various theories regarding the possible motives behind the crime.

The Cuban community in Miami has actively called for justice, and artists like Ana María Polo have publicly expressed their outrage over the "cruel death" of the reggaeton artist. "Fly high, Taiger. Now it's our turn to seek justice for your cruel death," the host wrote on her social media, reflecting the deep sense of grief that has overwhelmed many of the artist's followers.

Vigils and Demonstrations in Cuba

The murder of El Taiger has not only impacted Miami but has also resonated in his homeland, Cuba. In Santiago de Cuba, spontaneous vigils were organized in several parks to pay tribute to the reggaeton artist. However, Cuban authorities chose to militarize some of these gatherings, as was the case at Parque del Reparto El Caney, where the vigil was prevented from taking place. Despite this, in other parts of the city, such as Avenida Los Pinos and the Santiago Malecón, the vigils were held under strict surveillance.

The reaction from the official Cuban press has also been a subject of controversy. The newspaper Trabajadores, in a brief editorial note, stated that El Taiger was a victim of the "violence of American society," a comment that many have perceived as an attempt to divert attention from the fact that the murder took place in Miami and not in Cuba.

The state of the research.

As of today, October 12, the investigation is ongoing, although authorities have not yet made any arrests. The search for Damián Valdez-Galloso remains a priority for the Miami Police, as he is considered a key individual in clarifying what happened. Authorities have reiterated the importance of community collaboration, urging anyone with information to contact the police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

The case remains a topic of significant media attention, both in Miami and Cuba, as El Taiger's followers hope for justice and that those responsible for his death will be brought to account. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge in the coming days that may shed light on this tragic crime.