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Neighbor Speaks Out About Damian Valdez, Cuban Sought by Police in El Taiger Shooting Investigation

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 by Emma Garcia

The whereabouts of Damian Valdez-Galloso, the Cuban identified as a person of interest by the police in the shooting incident involving El Taiger, remain unknown. A Cuban neighbor, who goes by the name "Yamira," and has known him for a year, shared with America Tevé that she never observed any unusual behavior from him until a SWAT team encircled his house in Hialeah over the past weekend.

"We only exchanged greetings like 'good morning' and 'good afternoon,' but we never socialized," Yamira mentioned, refraining from providing further insights into Valdez-Galloso's character or lifestyle. She added briefly, "I know the house is under surveillance and Damián is missing. We don't know anything more about him."

When asked about his living arrangements, Yamira initially stated he lived alone but then referred to “the sister” and “the woman” who also “lived there.” She reiterated, “I’ve known him for a year, but we never socialized,” denying any connection with the man now wanted by authorities.

Authorities Seek Public Assistance

Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales dismissed any speculation of the El Taiger incident being a suicide attempt during a Monday press conference, labeling it a "criminal act." Morales appealed to the public for assistance in locating Damian Valdez-Galloso, also known as “El Narra,” a 49-year-old, identified as a "person of interest" in the case involving Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar. Zaldívar remains in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital after being found in a vehicle last Thursday, shot in the head.

Investigations revealed a friendship between El Taiger and El Narra, with police noting that Valdez-Galloso was among the last people to be seen with the artist before he was discovered wounded. Chief Morales emphasized the police's need to question him regarding the attempted murder, which took place near NW 9th Avenue and 17th Street on October 3rd.

Reward Offered for Information

Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for accurate information leading to the whereabouts of Damian Valdez. Described as 5'09", weighing about 186 pounds, with brown eyes and hair, Valdez also has tattoos on both arms and his chest. Police urge anyone with information on his location to come forward immediately.

The police have requested anyone with details about the incident to anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 305 471-TIPS (8477) or visit the Crime Stoppers Miami website.

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