New details about the version of Damián Valdez Galloso in the case concerning the death of the Cuban reggaeton artist El Tiger (whose real name was José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar) came to light this Monday, following the release of the recording of his first interrogation in New York.
The information was revealed by journalist Javier Díaz on Noticias 23 Univisión, where he presented excerpts from the testimony recorded on October 29, 2024, just hours after Valdez was arrested.
" You all know that I didn’t kill him. You all are perfectly clear that I didn’t kill him," said Valdez after the detectives read him his rights.
In the video, the accused insists on his innocence and claims that El Tiger did not arrive alone at his home, but was accompanied by two men: one stayed outside while the other entered the house with him.
According to his account, that morning the singer asked him for $20,000, even though he already owed him $18,000: “I told him, ‘José, if you owe me 18, where am I going to get 20,000?’”.
Valdez stated that while he went inside the house to get water or possibly to use the bathroom, he heard that the companion stayed outside talking with El Tiger.
Upon returning, she found him lying in the doorway, covered in blood.
"I run backward, I call the girl, my daughter-in-law, and I say, 'Let's go, I think something happened to José over there,'" she said.
He also stated that he called 911 and that later, when he went outside, a car intercepted him and "took a shot," without providing further context, claiming that he himself was the victim of an assassination attempt.
He stated that he did not see who attacked El Tiger, but he provided a description of the alleged companion: a white man with a tattoo on his neck.
During this first part of the interrogation, Valdez Galloso denied having wiped away blood at the crime scene and maintained his stance that it was another person who shot the artist, Díaz emphasized.
The case regarding the death of the reggaeton artist El Tiger continues to be marked by contradictions and procedural delays.
Recently released court documents confirm that the artist's body showed injuries consistent with a close-range shooting, and traces of blood were found at Valdez's residence, despite his attempts to dissociate himself from the incident.
Although a possible date for the trial had been reported in May, the hearing has been postponed due to the defense's claims regarding inconsistencies in the record.
It was later confirmed that the trial date will be September 15th, as explained by Teresa Padrón.
One of the key elements of the process was Valdez's call to 911, in which he reported an "accident" after leaving El Tiger's body at the hospital door.
The audio, which circulated in U.S. media, showed a nervous man who did not admit direct responsibility, aligning with his recent statement in which he denies having fired the weapon and points to another individual as the material author of the crime.
Frequently asked questions about the murder case of El Taiger
What did Damián Valdez Galloso declare about the murder of El Taiger?
Damián Valdez Galloso denied killing El Taiger and stated that the reggaeton artist arrived at his home accompanied by two men. According to Valdez, while he briefly stepped away, one of the companions shot the artist. Valdez added that he called 911 after finding El Taiger injured.
What are the charges against Damián Valdez Galloso?
The authorities have surveillance videos that capture the moment of the shooting and show Valdez Galloso dragging the injured reggaeton artist to a vehicle. Additionally, the accused's criminal history and his attempt to manipulate the crime scene strengthen the charges against him.
What charges does Damián Valdez Galloso face?
Damián Valdez Galloso is accused of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and illegal possession of firearms. These charges arise from the severity of the crime and the circumstances surrounding the homicide.
Why will the Prosecutor's Office not seek the death penalty for Damián Valdez Galloso?
The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office has decided not to pursue the death penalty for Valdez Galloso, although they have not provided detailed explanations for their reasons. This decision has sparked debate among El Taiger's followers, who are demanding justice for the crime.
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