The Cuban community has been shocked by the violent death of reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, known artistically as El Taiger, who was found with a gunshot wound to the head on October 3rd. As the investigations progress, the Miami Police have been revealing some important details that characterize this crime as a complex case that is still far from being resolved.
The discovery of the body and the first clues
On October 3, El Taiger was found severely injured in the back of a Mercedes Benz truck that was abandoned near the emergency room of Jackson Memorial Hospital. An anonymous call alerted the authorities, who immediately ruled out that it was a suicide attempt. The artist was declared dead shortly after due to the severity of the gunshot wound to the forehead.
The Miami Police have classified the case as a "puzzle" and have called on the community to assist with any information that may help solve the case. According to police spokesperson Freddie Cruz, the truck where El Taiger's body was found has already been identified, and the owner's identity is known, although that information has not yet been publicly revealed.
Damián Valdez-Galloso: key 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 may have key information to 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 a fugitive, and the police have offered a reward of $5,000 to anyone who provides information about his whereabouts. This man has a criminal record that includes an accusation of sexual assault against a minor and an arrest for robbery in 2021. Authorities have intensified the search and have 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, and have indicated that it was a premeditated criminal act. The scene where El Taiger's body was found showed several alarming signs: besides the gunshot to the forehead, gasoline canisters were found on the truck, which has led authorities to consider several theories about the possible motives for the crime.
The Cuban community in Miami has actively sought justice, and artists like Ana María Polo have publicly expressed their outrage at the "cruel death" of the reggaeton singer. "Fly high, Taiger. Now it’s our turn to seek justice for your cruel death," wrote the host on her social media, reflecting the pain that has affected many of the artist's followers.
Vigils and demonstrations in Cuba
The murder of El Taiger has not only impacted Miami but has also echoed 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 decided to militarize some of these gatherings, as happened in the 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 malecon, the vigils were held under strict surveillance.
The reaction of the Cuban state media 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 seen as an attempt to divert attention from the fact that the murder occurred 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 piece 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 continues to be a topic of great media attention, both in Miami and in Cuba, as El Taiger's followers hope that justice will be served and those responsible for his death will be brought to justice. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge in the coming days that may shed light on this tragic crime.
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