This Monday, Miami authorities released a previously unheard audio recording of a police interrogation with Ana María Pérez, the former partner of Damián Valdés Galloso. Valdés Galloso stands accused of murdering Cuban musician José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, known popularly as El Taiger.
As reported by N+ Univision 23 Miami, the interrogation, which lasted nearly an hour, was conducted by a Miami Police detective in the early hours of October 5, 2024, just two days following the crime. Until now, this recording had not been made public.
Key Revelations from the Interrogation
In the audio, Pérez's voice can be heard for the first time as she answers questions regarding her presence at the Hialeah residence where the murder took place on October 3, 2024. She denied any prior knowledge, stating, "I can't assure you that he did or didn't do it, because I didn't see him."
She further insisted on her lack of awareness about the night's events: "I had no idea. They are friends, and he seemed very normal."
Pérez expressed disbelief at the accusations: "It never crossed my mind that it was him. I still can't believe it. It's hard for me."
Confrontation Over Evidence
During the interrogation, the detective confronted Pérez directly, asking, "At no point did you notice there was blood all over the porch? And the body?" Her response was firm: "No, there was no blood or anything."
Pérez maintained her stance, stating, "When I arrived at the house, there was nothing. Absolutely nothing. I didn't see Damián."
The Reason for Her Visit
Pérez explained that she went to the house around five in the morning because she received a call from Solayne de la Caridad García Valdés, the ex-partner of Valdés Galloso's son. García Valdés, the second woman seen in surveillance footage, requested Pérez to pick her up after a supposed argument with Valdés Galloso.
Ana María Pérez was captured by surveillance cameras minutes after El Taiger was shot in the head at 4:31 AM.
A Personal Call from Valdés Galloso
Pérez recounted learning about the incident through the news and subsequently receiving a call from Valdés Galloso himself. Her immediate reaction was one of reproach: "And that's when I told him: What did you do? Damián, you're everywhere. And he hung up on me."
In November 2024, Pérez publicly denied in an audio shared on social media that she was the woman in the crime video: "I am being accused of having helped him, of being the person in the video. I'm clarifying that it isn't me."
She also stated, "I want justice to be served. If he's found guilty, he must pay for it."
Current Status of the Case
El Taiger, aged 37, passed away on October 10, 2024, at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital, a week after being shot. Valdés Galloso faces charges of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and illegal possession of a firearm. He remains incarcerated in Miami-Dade County without bail.
The prosecution is not seeking the death penalty but will push for a mandatory life sentence if he is convicted.
The trial has been postponed multiple times, with a tentative date set for July 7, 2026, and a mandatory appearance scheduled for July 28, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about El Taiger's Murder Case
Who is Ana María Pérez in the El Taiger murder case?
Ana María Pérez is the former partner of Damián Valdés Galloso, the man accused of murdering Cuban musician El Taiger. She was interrogated by the police but denied having any prior knowledge of the crime.
What are the charges against Damián Valdés Galloso?
Damián Valdés Galloso is facing charges of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and illegal possession of a firearm in connection with the death of El Taiger.
What is the current status of the trial for El Taiger's murder?
The trial has been delayed multiple times, with a tentative trial date set for July 7, 2026, and a mandatory appearance scheduled for July 28, 2026.