The investigation into the murder of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, better known as El Taiger, has taken a shocking turn following the release of an extended version of the police interrogation of Damian Valdez-Galloso, the lone suspect in the case. In the three-hour recording slowly revealed by the media, Valdez-Galloso not only denies committing the murder but also makes serious allegations against the Miami police, suggesting that an officer was involved.
During the interrogation, conducted in New York 19 days after the murder on October 3, 2024, Valdez-Galloso appeared defiant when confronted with evidence. He claimed that a crucial surveillance video from a neighboring house in Hialeah, which was used against him, had been manipulated: “That video was tampered with,” he insisted.
Challenging the Evidence
Despite being shown footage that supposedly captured the crime, Valdez-Galloso repeatedly challenged its authenticity, arguing, “That video was tampered with." He maintained that the recording did not reflect reality, telling detectives, “I'm telling you the truth.”
When questioned about his version of events, which police declared nonexistent, Valdez-Galloso firmly denied any involvement: “You know I didn’t kill him.”
Allegations of Police Complicity
One of the most intense moments of the interrogation occurred when Valdez-Galloso claimed that El Taiger arrived at his home with a man he believed to be a police officer. “On the day of the murder, El Taiger came to my house with a guy I think was a cop... and now he doesn’t appear in the video.” This omission, he said, prompted him to flee Miami: “I knew someone in the police was involved in this.”
Valdez-Galloso also revealed that he asked the federal Marshals who arrested him in New York not to hand him over to Miami police, fearing manipulation of his case: “I knew this was going to happen.”
Valdez-Galloso's Version of Events
Valdez-Galloso insists on his innocence, recounting a different story than that of the investigators. He claims El Taiger asked to borrow $20,000 that night, despite already owing him $18,000: “I told him, ‘José, you owe me 18. Where am I going to get 20,000? Are you crazy?’”
Around 5 a.m. on October 3, someone knocked loudly on his door: “Bam bam bam bam. I peek out, and it’s José… and then I see people coming.” He described one of the men as “a white, burly guy with tattoos who spoke Spanish,” though he provided no names or details to identify the other individuals.
After a brief conversation, Valdez-Galloso said the men accompanying El Taiger told the artist he had until midnight to pay them. Shortly after, he found El Taiger bleeding outside his home. Believing he would recover and explain what happened, Valdez-Galloso decided to call for help and leave him near a hospital, a hope that was dashed when El Taiger succumbed to his injuries.
The Official Account
Authorities present a starkly different narrative. According to the arrest affidavit, El Taiger went to Valdez-Galloso’s residence in Hialeah, where Valdez-Galloso allegedly opened the door and shot him in the head. The reggaeton artist was found unconscious in the back of an SUV near NW 9th Avenue and 17th Street, dying seven days later, on October 10, from his injuries.
Legal Repercussions
Damian Valdez-Galloso has been charged with first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and illegal possession of a firearm. His trial is set to begin in September. The severity of his charges escalated when, on November 27, 2024, Miami prosecutors upgraded the murder charge from second to first degree, indicating they view the crime as premeditated.
Valdez-Galloso has claimed self-defense and pleaded not guilty. He has been denied bail since early November. His attorney, Marissa Altman Glatzer, has refrained from making public statements regarding the case.
Key Questions Regarding the Murder of El Taiger
What evidence is Damian Valdez-Galloso challenging?
Valdez-Galloso is challenging the authenticity of a surveillance video that authorities claim shows the moment of the murder, alleging it was manipulated.
Who does Valdez-Galloso claim was involved in the murder?
Valdez-Galloso alleges that a man who appeared to be a police officer was with El Taiger on the day of the murder, suggesting police involvement.
What charges is Damian Valdez-Galloso facing?
He is charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and illegal possession of a firearm.
When is Valdez-Galloso's trial scheduled to begin?
His trial is set to commence in September.