During a hearing held on Wednesday morning in Miami, the Prosecutor's Office announced, in statements to Teresa Padrón, that it will upgrade the charge against Damian Valdez-Galloso, the sole individual arrested for the death of El Taiger (José Manuel Carbajal), from second-degree murder to first-degree murder.
The request for a harsher penalty has become an increasing demand from thousands of the reggaeton artist's fans, particularly his manager, Teresa Padrón, who even led a petition campaign to intensify pressure on the authorities.
It was none other than Teresa herself who gave a preview of the announcement in her Instagram stories, shortly after nine in the morning today (local time).
"1st grade!!! God is great. Justice for José," wrote the friend of the late reggaeton artist.
Following the change in charges, Damian will face an accusation that will increase the severity of the penalty if he is found guilty of murder.
In addition to the charge of second-degree murder being upgraded to first-degree murder, Damian faces two other charges: tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
For the second consecutive time, Damian did not appear at the hearing this Wednesday. The next appearance is scheduled for December 19, when the official change of the criminal charge against the defendant is expected to be announced.
Positions in progression: From second to first degree
It was Judge Mindy S. Glazer of the Miami-Dade Criminal Court who was the first to question during the defendant's initial hearing why a more serious charge was not being brought against Damian, considering the circumstances described in the court records.
According to Glazer, it seemed there was "premeditation," and he based this on the events involving a shot to the head followed by the manipulation of the victim's body.
However, the prosecution explained at that time that they needed more compelling evidence to support the premeditation required for a more serious charge.
Surveillance camera footage
A security camera video from a house near Damian's home captured the exact moment when El Taiger was shot.
Subsequently, the alleged assailant dragged the victim's body and cleaned the crime scene before leaving in the car towards the area around the hospital where he abandoned El Taiger's badly injured body.
Public records reveal a extensive criminal history of Valdez Galloso, which includes prior convictions for sexual assault, theft, and possession of firearms.
Additionally, ICE arrested him twice, and his last incarceration ended in 2020. Since then, he has lived in Hialeah as a registered sex offender.
With the bail denied since his arrest, Valdez Galloso remains in custody while his legal future is being assessed.
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