Teresa Padrón, former manager and close friend of Cuban reggaeton artist El Taiger, voiced her disapproval regarding the public release of graphic evidence related to his murder. Her comments came following a court session in Miami-Dade this past Wednesday, October 8.
"No one should be showing those photos; he was a person, not an animal," Teresa stated in an interview with Univision. Clearly distressed by the images of El Taiger's bullet-ridden body, which are among over 1,200 photographs released by the prosecution to the media, Teresa emphasized that sharing these explicit images is a violation of the artist's dignity and a lack of respect toward his family.
Concerns Over Legal Process
Padrón also criticized the prosecution's strategy and media handling. "Why are they releasing so much evidence? I believe it's jeopardizing the trial process," she warned, highlighting the potential impact such exposure could have on juror impartiality. She also noted that the gun depicted in some of the images was not El Taiger's, bolstering the theory that it belonged to the alleged perpetrator, Damián Valdez-Galloso, who is currently facing charges for the crime. "It saddens me... this is not how we wanted his image to be portrayed," she lamented.
A Lasting Impact on El Taiger's Legacy
Speaking with Telemundo 51, Teresa expressed her sorrow over how El Taiger's visual legacy is now tarnished by images that will exist online indefinitely. "It deeply saddens me because the internet never forgets, and those images will remain forever," she said. "This is not how we wanted his image to be remembered," she emphasized. She spoke on behalf of his family, fans, and loved ones, insisting that such public exposure is unnecessary and harmful.
A Symbol of Faith and Farewell
Among the images released by the prosecution, one depicts the artist holding a rosary. Teresa explained that this was a personal item he had requested days earlier. "I had a rosary in my car; he had asked for it, and I told him I would buy him one, but not that one because it was mine," she recounted. Eventually, when El Taiger was admitted to the hospital, she placed it in his hand.
Teresa also shared her belief that in his final days, the artist lost the will to live. "I had every hope he would pull through, but I feel in my heart that at some point during those days, he gave up. He no longer wanted to fight," she recalled, noting the criticism she faced for maintaining optimism amid a dire medical situation.
A Complex Legal Battle Continues
The trial has dragged on for over a year, with a formal start expected in December. Meanwhile, the next court hearing is set for October 15. New questions have arisen regarding a Mercedes sedan registered to Néstor Domínguez Márquez, which has been included as evidence, though its involvement remains unclear.
Miami-Dade's prosecution has unveiled a vast and disturbing collection of evidence linked to the murder of Cuban reggaeton star José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger. More than 1,200 photos, court documents, and forensic records have been submitted as evidence against Damian Valdez Galloso, the sole suspect facing first-degree murder charges.
Most evidence was gathered inside Valdez Galloso's Hialeah home, the alleged crime scene on the early morning of October 3, 2024. Photos depict a seemingly ordinary residence, but with clear signs of a hastily altered and cleaned scene. The most shocking discovery was made inside a black Mercedes Benz GLC 300 with Florida plates JJWG55, where the artist was found at 8:00 a.m. on October 3.
The car was parked on NW 17th Ave, with the trunk open and a rear door ajar. There, police discovered El Taiger gravely injured, with a bullet wound to the forehead and severe cranial injuries. The trunk contained blood stains and held gallons of fuel, jewelry, a knife, and a sheathed blade. Bottles, personal clothing, and food remnants suggested the vehicle was used not only for transport but possibly to attempt cleaning up evidence before reaching the hospital.
Simultaneously, investigators examined the motel room where El Taiger occasionally stayed. Photographs from the prosecution's evidence package show a disorganized and chaotic space: blood-stained napkins, bags believed to contain fentanyl, dirty clothes, and cigarette butts scattered throughout the room. Jewelry and fast food remnants were also visible on surfaces.
The trial against Damian Valdez Galloso is slated to begin on December 8, 2025. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
FAQs on El Taiger's Case and Legal Proceedings
What evidence has been released in El Taiger's murder case?
The Miami-Dade prosecution has released over 1,200 photographs, court documents, and forensic records related to the murder of El Taiger.
Who is facing charges in El Taiger's murder?
Damian Valdez Galloso is the sole suspect and is facing first-degree murder charges in the case of El Taiger's death.
What was found at the crime scene in El Taiger's case?
Police found El Taiger with a bullet wound in a Mercedes, with various items like fuel, jewelry, and knives, indicating an attempted cleanup.