Dozens of Cubans are demanding justice following the tragic death of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal, known as El Taiger, who fell victim to what appears to be a premeditated crime. The musician was discovered with a gunshot wound to the forehead in the back of a Mercedes Benz truck near Jackson Memorial Hospital, prompting police to launch a search for Cuban national Damián Valdez-Galloso, also known as "El Narra." He is considered a "person of interest" in this case.
According to several artists close to El Taiger, "El Narra" allegedly supplied drugs to the reggaeton star, who regarded him as a friend and introduced him enthusiastically at parties. Reports indicate that Valdez-Galloso was the last individual to be seen with El Taiger and had rented the hotel room where the artist spent the night before the attack.
Search for Suspect Intensifies
A significant police operation was carried out at his residence in Hialeah, yet El Narra was not present, and his phone remains off. The 49-year-old man has been listed as a sexual offender in Florida since 2007, according to Homefacts. Valdez-Galloso's criminal record includes a 2007 charge of sexual assault against a 17-year-old and an arrest for theft in 2021. Additionally, he has been detained at least twice by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Legal and Police Actions
The Miami police are offering a $5,000 reward for any information that could lead to his whereabouts, believing he holds crucial information that could help solve the case. Authorities have clarified that El Taiger's case "was not an attempted suicide; it was a criminal act." Attorney Mayron Gallardo explained to journalist Mario J. Pentón that the perpetrator could face first-degree felony charges, which carry the potential penalty of death. "The person responsible for such a crime does not have the right to bail and will remain detained after arrest, potentially facing the death penalty," Gallardo elaborated.
He further noted that the location of the gunshot suggested a premeditated crime, and the presence of gasoline canisters in the vehicle caught the police's attention. "According to criminal case laws, this is interpreted as an extremely violent crime, punishable by the death penalty," Gallardo clarified.
Ongoing Investigation
The arrest warrant for El Narra has been circulated to all 49 states, and if the suspect is not found, the investigation will continue to identify any additional responsible parties. In a press conference last week, Miami Police stated they need to question Valdez-Galloso regarding the attempted murder that took place near NW 9th Avenue and 17th Street on October 3rd. The police report describes El Narra as 5'09", weighing approximately 186 pounds, with brown eyes and hair, and tattoos on both arms and his chest.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 305 471-TIPS (8477) or visit the Crime Stoppers Miami website. On Thursday, after a week-long battle for his life, El Taiger was pronounced dead by doctors at the Jackson Memorial. Hundreds of Cubans gathered outside the medical center to pay tribute to the most significant representative of Cuban reggaeton of his generation.