Damian Valdez Galloso, accused of the murder of Cuban reggaeton artist El Taiger, appeared this Tuesday in the Miami-Dade criminal court for his first physical presence before a judge since 2024.
Valdez Galloso appeared serious but remained proud throughout, keeping his head held high without showing any signs of defeat in front of the court.
The moment that garnered the most attention—and caused discomfort for Teresa Padrón and other followers of El Taiger—occurred at the end of the session: when the accused and his defense lawyer engaged in relaxed conversation and Damian was seen smiling.
It is a scene that contrasts with the seriousness of the charges and with the pain of those demanding justice for El Taiger.
The positions of Teresa Padrón and the defense
After the hearing, journalist Maylín Legañoa gathered statements from both parties outside the courtroom for Telemundo 51.
“Obviously, today Damián appeared in court for the first time in person, and just like the first time, it has affected me quite a bit,” admitted Teresa Padrón.
"They expect to start the trial in March, which gives time for the prosecution and the defense to finalize their subpoenas with all the police departments involved," he said regarding the new judicial calendar, attempting not to pass judgment on the U.S. justice system.
The defense attorney was emphatic in establishing his team's position: “He is an innocent man; what we want is to defend him, not to reach agreements, defense, trial, defense; alternatively, they can always drop the charges.”
The legal representative also emphasized the central argument of the strategy: "A case of self-defense, they know it, we know it, and that is what we are going to fight for."
Procedural updates and new postponement
During the session, several complications were revealed that explain the delay in the process, as reported by Univision in its coverage of the hearing.
The prosecution plans to call between 15 and 20 witnesses, and the case involves three different police departments - Miami, Hialeah, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office - which has made coordination challenging.
Additionally, the main evidence from the Metro Dade department is still pending.
The defense attorney informed the judge that the taking of statements had been delayed due to her secretary's maternity leave, although she indicated that she would return next week
The trial, previously scheduled for September 15, 2026, has been ruled out for that date; the court indicated that it will most likely take place in February or March 2027.
"Justice for José," the cry outside the courthouse
Before the hearing, Padrón had called on family and supporters to gather in front of the court, with a clear warning in his Instagram stories:
"For those who are going to attend, no one should speak in the courtroom; if they do, they may be expelled or arrested. We are going in peace and with respect for the court, with the sole objective of seeking justice for José."
The attendees carried signs reading "Justice for José," using the artist's first name rather than his stage name.
Valdez Galloso faces three charges: first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The prosecutor's office, which ruled out seeking the death penalty but is pursuing mandatory life imprisonment, has security recordings, DNA samples, and over 1,200 forensic photographs.
The next step will be a status hearing set for September 2, where the progress of the case and the possible inclusion of additional witnesses or experts will be reviewed.
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