Previously undisclosed official documents shed new light on the murder of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal, known as El Taiger. Javier Díaz, a journalist from Univision 23, secured exclusive reports from the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Department and Miami Police. These documents narrate the events from when the artist was found with a gunshot wound on October 3, 2024, until the autopsy was conducted on October 25.
The forensic report reveals that El Taiger suffered a gunshot wound to the forehead, approximately 2.5 cm below the top of the skull. The bullet penetrated the frontal bone and the brain, leading to a severe cranial injury. Despite being rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital and undergoing surgery, he could not recover. Detective Ventura officially announced on October 10 at 3:00 p.m. that a heart attack was the immediate cause of death, although the gunshot wound was critical.
While the medical records highlight the bullet wound as a pivotal factor, the heart attack was the immediate cause of demise. The autopsy confirmed that complications from the head injury led to his death. The forensic documents also disclose that Carvajal had a previously undisclosed medical condition and a history of daily consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs, including crack, cocaine, ecstasy, Tusi, and Percocet. He was neither under medical treatment nor taking prescribed medication.
Personal Background and Family Struggles
Born in Havana, El Taiger relocated to South Florida over eight years ago and had no siblings. He was the father of four young children: Yaliet (14), Luca (8), Sofía (5), and Anita (7). After his death, his family faced challenges in authorizing the transfer and funeral arrangements, as his maternal grandmother, who had the legal consent, resides in Cuba and is non-verbal.
Legal Proceedings and Suspect's Arrest
The primary suspect, identified as Damián Valdez, was apprehended in New York and extradited to Miami. He signed a document invoking his Miranda rights and chose not to testify. The document, also written in Spanish, bears his signature and that of the witnesses present during the reading of his rights. Although some associates believe he might negotiate with the prosecution to avoid the trial scheduled for September 15, Damián continues to assert his innocence.
According to the official report, Carvajal had an altercation with his drug supplier, who then shot him in the head. The assailant placed Carvajal's body in the trunk of a car and left it in a hospital parking lot, where 911 was contacted. This initiated a series of police and medical notifications that concluded with the confirmation of his death. The case, classified as a homicide, is ongoing, but the documents released by Univision 23 confirm what many feared: El Taiger's death was not just a crime but the tragic end of a life overshadowed by addiction, displacement, and violence.
FAQs on El Taiger's Case
What was the cause of El Taiger's death?
El Taiger's death was primarily attributed to complications from a gunshot wound to the head, although a heart attack was the immediate cause of death.
Who is the main suspect in El Taiger's murder?
The main suspect in the murder of El Taiger is Damián Valdez, who was arrested in New York and extradited to Miami.
What challenges did El Taiger's family face after his death?
El Taiger's family struggled with authorizing the transfer and funeral arrangements due to his maternal grandmother's legal consent, as she resides in Cuba and is non-verbal.