The Miami-Dade Correctional System has released an updated mugshot of Damián Valdez-Galloso, also known as "El Narra." He remains in custody, accused of the murder of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, popularly known as "El Taiger."
Journalist Daniel Benítez shared on Facebook that updating inmate photos is "a routine practice for those spending years behind bars."
In the new photo, Valdez-Galloso is seen wearing a red shirt, a white undershirt, with short curly black hair and a growing beard.
Details from Valdez-Galloso's Arrest Record
Damián Valdez-Galloso was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGKCC) in Miami-Dade on November 6, 2024, at 7:17 p.m. He is registered under inmate number 240162950.
The record notes his birth date as December 5, 1974. He is male, described as white, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall (approximately 1.73 meters), weighing 190 pounds (around 86 kg), with black hair and brown eyes.
He faces charges related to case F24023303, including second-degree murder with a weapon, tampering with or attempting to alter physical evidence, and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person previously convicted of a felony in Florida. A standard bail amount of $10,000 is noted, although one charge is non-bailable, with others set at $5,000 and $7,500, in addition to a hold for the appropriate division.
There is also an arrest warrant under case F24021948, with another $10,000 bail, for two charges of failing to register as a sex offender. At the time of the photo update, these charges remained active with no bail posted.
The Incident and Capture of Valdez-Galloso
The crime that led to his incarceration occurred on October 3, 2024, in Hialeah, Florida. Valdez-Galloso allegedly shot El Taiger in the forehead during an altercation at a residence. He then transported the body in a black Mercedes Benz, abandoning it in front of Jackson Memorial Hospital. El Taiger died a week later, on October 10, 2024, at the age of 37.
After leaving the artist's body, Valdez-Galloso fled but was apprehended in New York by federal agents and extradited to Miami on November 7, 2024. Charges were elevated from second-degree to first-degree murder on November 27 of that year, as the prosecution argued the crime was premeditated.
Besides the main charge, Valdez-Galloso faces accusations of tampering with physical evidence and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. His criminal record also lists charges for failing to register as a sex offender under a separate file.
The accused has pleaded not guilty, maintaining he acted in self-defense and pointing to another individual as the shooter. However, the prosecution refutes this claim with robust evidence, including security camera footage, DNA samples, and over 1,200 photographs and forensic documents.
Additionally, a 911 call surfaced in which Valdez-Galloso allegedly posed as a witness who discovered the vehicle with the victim inside.
The prosecution has ruled out the death penalty but seeks a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
Related Case Involving Chocolate MC
The case took a twist involving reggaeton artist Chocolate MC (Yosvanis Sierra Hernández), who was found guilty in November 2025 of publicly threatening Valdez-Galloso and offering money for him to be attacked in prison. In March 2026, Chocolate MC received a 10-year prison sentence plus five years of probation.
The main trial has seen multiple delays since late 2025. The latest court date is scheduled for September 15, 2026, with a status hearing on August 19. El Taiger's family and fans eagerly await justice for one of the most shocking crimes to hit the Cuban community in Miami.
FAQs on Damián Valdez-Galloso's Case
What are the charges against Damián Valdez-Galloso?
He is charged with first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and failing to register as a sex offender.
When is the trial for Valdez-Galloso scheduled?
The trial is set for September 15, 2026, with a status hearing on August 19.
What happened to reggaeton artist Chocolate MC in relation to this case?
Chocolate MC was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of probation for threatening Valdez-Galloso and offering money for his assault in prison.