The legal proceedings surrounding the murder of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal, widely known as El Taiger, hit another standstill on Monday in Miami. This ongoing delay continues to frustrate family members, fans, and much of the Cuban community who have been awaiting justice for over a year. According to Telemundo 51, the hearing lasted merely a minute and concluded with yet another postponement, offering no progress towards a trial.
The defendant, Damián Valdéz Galloso, has been incarcerated since 2024, yet the legal process remains bogged down in the evidence-gathering phase. Prosecutors indicated that they are still examining materials, witness statements, and coordinating testimonies. Meanwhile, the defense requested additional time to thoroughly review the case file.
His new attorney, Ricardo Hermida, recently took over following the resignation of the previous lawyer. In court, Hermida stated that his team is "starting from the beginning," a comment that was a bitter disappointment to those anticipating progress.
El Taiger's former manager, Teresa M. Padrón, left the courtroom visibly upset, directly questioning the defense's delay and tactics.
"I assumed it would take more time for him to organize and interview witnesses," she told Telemundo 51, though she emphasized that she finds the delays unjustifiable.
"If they have the weapon used in the act, they have videos, they have everything... Damián has been imprisoned for over a year, and it seems this will drag on until the end of next year."
Padrón accused Valdéz Galloso of "exploiting the system" and lamented that despite abundant evidence, the process is advancing at a snail's pace.
The next court appearance is scheduled for January 22, where Judge Milton Hirsch will determine whether the defense is genuinely prepared to proceed to trial or if the cycle of delays will persist.
Tensions escalated further after sensitive images from the case file were leaked, showing the moment El Taiger fell after being shot and another video depicting his body being moved. Padrón described the leak as "terrible, horrible," criticizing both the prosecution and the media outlets that released the footage. "Not even his family had seen him in that state. I feel it's a lack of respect for his family, his children, and José's fans," she said tearfully.
While the judge has ordered another status hearing in 45 days, El Taiger's case remains mired in judicial bureaucracy. With each postponement, frustration mounts among Miami's Cuban community, who follow the proceedings with a mix of hope and despair, yearning to finally see justice for the artist.
Key Questions About El Taiger's Ongoing Legal Case
Why is the trial for El Taiger's murder case being delayed?
The trial is being delayed due to ongoing evidence gathering, including analysis of materials, witness testimonies, and coordination. The defense has also requested more time to review the case from the start.
Who is the new defense attorney for Damián Valdéz Galloso?
The new defense attorney for Damián Valdéz Galloso is Ricardo Hermida, who took over the case following the resignation of the previous lawyer.
What was the reaction to the leaked case images?
The leaked images, which included sensitive footage of El Taiger's death, were met with outrage. Teresa M. Padrón criticized the leak as a lack of respect towards El Taiger's family and fans.