Damián Valdez Galloso pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder of El Taiger, after being formally charged by the Miami-Dade Prosecutor's Office.
On Thursday morning, the hearing for the reading of charges took place, which Damián did not attend.
Teresa Padrón, the manager of the reggaeton artist, did attend the courtroom and later thanked the Prosecutor's Office for the work they are doing.
"I am very confident and have a lot of faith that they will fulfill their promises and justice will be served," she expressed to América TeVe.
Valdez Galloso was formally charged on Wednesday with first-degree murder and two additional charges: tampering with evidence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
If found guilty of the first charge, he could face the death penalty.
Attorney Sabino Jauregui stated that usually this type of case ends with a life sentence, and that there are some that are resolved with sentences of 25, 20, or even 15 years of imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.
"The defense attorney asked if the prosecution is currently seeking the death penalty, and the prosecution did not want to commit one way or another," he reported.
"Determining the death penalty is a complicated and lengthy process. It must be a murder committed in a cruel manner, in a way that the victim suffered, something that goes far beyond a normal homicide," he clarified.
The expert explained that those accused of first-degree murder often plead not guilty so that the defense has the opportunity to review the evidence held by the prosecution, conduct their own investigation, interview witnesses, and assess the strengths or weaknesses of the prosecution's case.
For her part, Teresa Padrón believes that "if the State is going to pursue the death penalty (...) I personally believe that if that happens... it will change their plea from not guilty to guilty."
At the end of November, during his second appearance in court, Damián Valdez-Galloso, who had been charged with second-degree murder, pleaded "not guilty" to the murder of the Cuban reggaeton artist.
Days later, the Prosecutor's Office announced that it would elevate the charge to first-degree murder. The increase in the criminal charge was a demand from thousands of the reggaeton artist's followers, particularly from Padrón, who led a petition campaign to increase pressure on the authorities.
Valdez Galloso shot the 37-year-old reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger, on October 3rd.
In the early hours of that day, the popular artist was found inside a car with a gunshot wound to the head, on the outskirts of Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where he died a week later.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Damián Valdez and the murder of El Taiger
Why did Damián Valdez plead not guilty to the murder of El Taiger?
Damián Valdez pleaded not guilty to allow the defense to review the evidence from the prosecution, conduct its own investigation, and assess the strength of the state's case. This is common in first-degree murder cases to explore all legal options before a full trial.
What charges does Damián Valdez face?
Damián Valdez is facing charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. First-degree murder is the most serious charge, and if found guilty, he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole in Florida.
What does it mean to be charged with first-degree murder in Florida?
In Florida, first-degree murder is a capital offense that involves premeditation or the commission of another serious crime during the homicide. Penalties can include the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Factors such as the brutality of the crime and the defendant's criminal history can influence the sentence.
Who is Teresa Padrón and what has been her role in the case?
Teresa Padrón is the manager and close friend of El Taiger. She has been a key figure in the campaign to elevate the charges against Damián Valdez to first-degree murder, organizing a petition drive and maintaining public pressure on the authorities to ensure that justice is served for the death of the reggaeton artist.
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