Miami-Dade County Judge Milton Hirsch has mandated that prosecutors make tangible progress in the investigation of the death of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal Saldivar, better known as El Taiger. The judge has allowed only one more week for pending police interviews to be conducted, rejecting the prosecution's request for a 30-day extension, according to reports from Telemundo 51.
During a recent court session, Judge Hirsch expressed his frustration over the ongoing delays in the case. "Thank God the judge is no longer allowing them to drag things out," said Teresa Padrón, a friend and former manager of the artist, in statements to local media.
Padrón further explained, "The judge asked for the officers to be brought in to explain why they need 30 days to write a simple report." She has been closely following the legal proceedings since the crime occurred in October 2024.
As part of the legal process, prosecutors have introduced new graphic evidence, including images of El Taiger at Jackson Memorial Hospital after being shot in the head. Additionally, over a thousand photographs were disclosed, taken in the motel room in Hialeah where El Taiger often stayed. Reports describe the room as being in disarray, with food remnants, dirty clothes, blood-stained papers, jewelry, cigarette butts, and bags of fentanyl.
"I never saw José smoke a cigarette. I'm sure other people were there," his former manager remarked. "I don't use drugs; I always tried to help him," she added.
Authorities also presented images from inside the residence of Damián Valdés Galloso, the sole suspect in the crime. Investigators found cleaning products, clothes in the washer, and a Ring camera that had been removed from the wall, suggesting an attempt to destroy evidence.
Valdés Galloso called 911 from near Jackson Hospital, where El Taiger's body was discovered inside a vehicle, with blood in the trunk, gallons of fuel, a razor blade, a knife, and jewelry. A gun was also recovered from Padrón's home, but she contends it doesn't match the one used in the crime. "The one I turned in was completely silver. This one has black on the bottom," she clarified.
The trial against Damián Valdés Galloso is initially set for December 8, 2025. However, the next hearing, scheduled for October 15, could potentially alter this date if prosecutors fail to meet the judge's demands.
Padrón expressed her concerns about the direction of the judicial process: "They are not conducting interviews with witnesses; I don't see any preparation for the trial. I'm worried they might be looking for a plea deal to reduce the sentence."
The accused is facing first-degree murder charges, which could result in a life sentence.
Key Details in the El Taiger Case
What did Judge Milton Hirsch demand regarding the investigation?
Judge Hirsch demanded that prosecutors make concrete progress in the investigation and allowed only one more week for pending police interviews, rejecting a 30-day extension request.
What new evidence was presented by the prosecutors?
Prosecutors introduced graphic evidence, including images of El Taiger at the hospital and over a thousand photos from his motel room in Hialeah, highlighting its poor condition.
Who is the sole suspect in El Taiger's death?
The sole suspect in the case is Damián Valdés Galloso, who faces first-degree murder charges that could lead to a life sentence.