Fresh insights have emerged regarding Damian Valdez Galloso's account in the case surrounding the death of Cuban reggaeton artist El Tiger, whose real name was José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar. The revelations came to light on Monday after the release of a recording of his initial interrogation in New York.
Journalist Javier Díaz unveiled the details on Noticias 23 Univisión, presenting clips from the testimony recorded on October 29, 2024, just hours after Valdez's arrest. "You all know I didn't kill him. You're well aware I didn't kill him," Valdez stated after detectives read him his rights. In the footage, Valdez repeatedly asserts his innocence, claiming that El Tiger did not arrive at his home alone but was accompanied by two men. One remained outside while the other entered the house with him.
According to Valdez, the singer came to his home early that morning to request $20,000, despite already owing him $18,000: "I said, 'José, if you owe me 18, where am I going to get 20,000 from?'" Valdez recounted that while he went inside to fetch water or possibly visit the bathroom, he overheard the companion talking with El Tiger. Upon his return, he found El Tiger lying on the porch, bleeding.
"I ran back inside, called the girl, my daughter-in-law, and said, 'Come on, I think something happened to José out there,'" he recounted. Valdez also stated that he dialed 911, and later, as he stepped outside, a car intercepted him, allegedly attempting to shoot him, although he did not provide further details.
Valdez claimed he did not see who attacked El Tiger but offered a description of the alleged companion: a white man with a neck tattoo. Throughout this initial phase of the interrogation, Valdez Galloso denied cleaning up blood at the scene and maintained that someone else shot the artist, as emphasized by Díaz.
The case involving El Tiger's death remains fraught with contradictions and procedural delays. Recently disclosed court documents confirm that the artist's body bore wounds consistent with a close-range shooting, and traces of blood were found at Valdez's residence, despite his efforts to distance himself from the incident.
Although a potential trial date was announced in May, the hearing was postponed due to defense claims of inconsistencies in the file. The trial is now set for September 15, as Teresa Padrón explained. A crucial element of the proceedings was Valdez's 911 call, where he reported an "accident" after leaving El Tiger's body at a hospital door. The audio, which circulated in American media, depicted a nervous man but stopped short of admitting direct responsibility, aligning with his recent statement denying he fired the gun and pointing to another individual as the perpetrator.
Key Questions About El Tiger's Death Investigation
What did Damian Valdez Galloso claim during his interrogation?
During his interrogation, Valdez Galloso claimed that he did not kill El Tiger and suggested that another person was responsible. He described an alleged companion of El Tiger as a white man with a neck tattoo.
Why was the trial date postponed?
The trial date was postponed due to defense claims of inconsistencies in the case file. The new trial date is set for September 15.