New evidence has surfaced in the murder case of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, popularly known as El Taiger. The footage reveals the precise moment a police officer finds him in his car with a gunshot wound to the head. This gripping video, capturing the crucial seconds of the discovery, was shared by journalist Alexis Boentes on Instagram, announcing its full release this Tuesday at 5:00 PM on Telemundo 51.
The newly released images provide clearer insight into the circumstances under which the singer was discovered, aiding the pursuit of justice. "The over seven-minute video starts with a police officer en route to Northwest 9th Avenue and 17th Street, near Jackson Memorial Hospital," reported Telemundo 51. "Upon arrival, the Mercedes Benz—allegedly driven by El Taiger the night of the incident—was fully locked, prompting the officer to use a flashlight to peer inside," the news outlet highlighted. Moments later, the first emergency unit arrived.
In the video, the officer can be heard saying, "Oh, there it is. There's someone in the back," as he opens the car's rear door to find a body in the trunk. He attempts to communicate with the person, but gets no response. "The rescue team opens the car trunk and finds El Taiger 'unconscious,'" Telemundo 51 noted, capturing the exchange among the responders. The officer then asks the paramedics, "Is he breathing?" to which they confirm he is.
The footage further shows someone trying to locate identification inside the vehicle, with the officer cautioning against touching anything, noting, "it all looks like it's going to be a crime scene." A voice on the scene exclaims, "I see the weapon," as the officer illuminates the car interior with his flashlight. Two red containers, usually for fuel storage, were seen on the vehicle's roof and subsequently removed.
The murder of Cuban reggaeton star El Taiger has left the music community and fans in shock. The case took a significant turn when Damián Valdez Galloso was formally charged with first-degree murder, alongside charges of evidence tampering and unlawful possession of firearms. This came after immense pressure from the community and his manager, Teresa Padrón, demanding the charges be escalated to their most severe form.
The investigation uncovered pivotal evidence, including unpublished photos and videos acquired by the prosecution. These visuals depict the arrest of Valdez-Galloso, the crime scene, and the vehicle used to transport the artist's body to Jackson Memorial Hospital. Witnesses have also been identified, contributing to the legal proceedings.
One of the most startling moments in the investigation was the release of surveillance footage capturing the exact moment of the shooting. The video shows El Taiger arriving at Valdez-Galloso's home in Hialeah early on October 3rd. Seconds later, a gunshot from within the house causes him to collapse. Another sequence shows the accused dragging the singer's body and cleaning up the crime scene.
The trial has been marked by the defendant's erratic behavior. During one hearing, Valdez-Galloso refused to appear in court, sparking outrage among the artist's family and fans. The judge questioned why he was initially charged with a lesser crime, reinforcing the call to upgrade the charge to first-degree murder. Before his arrest, Valdez-Galloso was on the run for over 20 days until he was found in New York. He was ultimately extradited to Miami, where he faces a trial that could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. His criminal past, including sexual offenses and thefts, has been a crucial factor in assessing his threat level by authorities.
Key Details About El Taiger's Murder Case
Who is charged with El Taiger's murder?
Damián Valdez Galloso has been charged with first-degree murder, along with evidence tampering and unlawful possession of firearms.
What evidence has been revealed in the investigation?
The investigation uncovered key evidence such as photos, videos of the arrest, the crime scene, and surveillance footage capturing the moment of the shooting.
What has been the reaction of El Taiger's community to the charges?
The community, along with El Taiger's manager, demanded the charges be escalated to the utmost severity, which resulted in the formal charge of first-degree murder.