Damián Valdez Galloso claims that he is innocent, that he did not shoot, that he even took El Taiger to the hospital and called 911, and he says all this in front of a detective in a leaked video showing the interrogation of the alleged perpetrator of the crime that occurred in October 2024 in Hialeah.
The recording, lasting over 30 minutes and published by Telemundo 51, captures the moment when Valdez attempts to explain what happened in the early hours of October 3, when the Cuban singer José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger, was found shot and left abandoned in the back of an SUV.
The artist passed away on October 10, one week after the attack, a death that shook the Cuban artistic community, both on and off the island.
In the video, the accused denies committing the crime. “If I called 911 from my phone and took him from my house, you know that I didn't kill him,” he insists.
Valdez presents a version in which he involves other people: he claims that El Taiger arrived with two individuals to ask for a loan of $20,000, despite already owing him money.
It recounts that shortly after that conversation, he saw the reggaeton artist lying in front of his house, injured, and decided to take him to the hospital.
The authorities, however, hold a different view: according to the arrest affidavit, Valdez shot him directly in the head, an incident that was captured on a security camera.
In the video, the suspect is also seen justifying his fear: “My gut feeling was that he would get up and say what happened,” he says, while the detective responds: “That’s not going to happen.”
Valdez's final response is a phrase of resignation: "Misfortune for me."
The accused faces charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In early November, he was placed in preventive detention without the right to bail, and he has also pleaded not guilty, while his defense has suggested that he acted in self-defense, reported Telemundo 51.
The leak of the interrogation adds new layers to a case that remains open and under public scrutiny.
The case regarding the death of the reggaeton artist El Tiger continues to be marked by contradictions and procedural delays.
Recently disclosed court documents confirm that the artist's body showed injuries consistent with a close-range shooting, and that traces of blood were found in Valdez's residence, despite his attempts to distance himself from the incident.
Although a possible date for the trial had been announced in May, the hearing was postponed due to defense claims regarding inconsistencies in the case files.
It was later confirmed that the trial date will be September 15, 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 entrance.
The audio, which circulated in U.S. media, showed a nervous man who did not admit direct responsibility, which aligns with his recent statement denying that he fired the shots and pointing to another individual as the actual perpetrator of the crime.
Frequently Asked Questions about the El Taiger Murder Case
Who is Damián Valdez Galloso and why is he being judged?
Damián Valdez Galloso is the prime suspect in the murder of the Cuban reggaeton artist El Taiger. He is being tried on charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and illegal possession of firearms. Authorities accuse him of shooting El Taiger in the head in the early hours of October 3, 2024, and subsequently abandoning his body near a hospital in Miami.
What evidence is there against Damián Valdez Galloso in the El Taiger case?
The evidence against Damián Valdez includes security camera videos that captured the moment of the shooting and his subsequent attempt to clean the crime scene. Additionally, there is a recording of the 911 call he made after leaving El Taiger injured at the hospital. Blood traces have also been found at his home, and court documents suggest his direct involvement in the homicide.
What has been the reaction of El Taiger's followers to the case?
The community of followers of El Taiger has reacted with outrage and sadness in the wake of his murder. Many have expressed their desire for justice, calling for harsh penalties for the perpetrator. His former manager, Teresa Padrón, has been vocal on social media, demanding that justice be served and that the case not go unpunished. The death of the reggaeton artist has shocked his fans both in Cuba and in the United States.
Why doesn't the Miami-Dade Prosecutor's Office seek the death penalty for Damián Valdez?
Although it was initially thought that the severity of the crime would lead to the request for the maximum sentence, the Prosecutor's Office ruled out seeking the death penalty for Damián Valdez. Instead, he would face life imprisonment if found guilty. This decision has sparked debate among El Taiger's fans, who have divided opinions on what justice looks like in this case.
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