On the 10th of each month, Teresa Padrón takes a heartfelt journey through Miami to refresh the memorial dedicated to El Taiger, the Cuban reggaeton star who passed away on October 10, 2024. This past Saturday, Padrón, who once managed the artist, shared this poignant ritual with her followers via a TikTok video that has garnered over 242,500 views.
During her visit, Padrón purchased fresh and artificial flowers, white balloons, and removed any items that had succumbed to the elements. She also installed a new flag adorned with the initials LBMA—crafted and donated by the account @yo_soy_havana_y_tu_—demonstrating her ongoing commitment to maintaining the site.
"As I do every 10th, I visited José's memorial in Miami. We placed fresh flowers, removed the faded ones, and put up a new LBMA flag, made with love," Padrón wrote in the video description.
A Farewell to El Taiger's Mural
That same day, Padrón also stopped by a mural of El Taiger in Miami, soon to be erased. The property it adorns was sold to a church that plans to remove it, prompting Padrón to bid farewell to the piece before its disappearance.
"Unfortunately, it will soon be gone because the property was bought by a church that decided to take it down. I wanted to visit once more, speak with the owners, and capture that memory, as it too is part of his story in the city," she explained.
The mural, located on Calle 8 between 16th and 17th Streets, was painted by Reinier Villa Herrera in October 2024 following the artist's death, featuring the phrases "La Tranka de Cuba" and "LBMA."
Legal Proceedings and Campaign for Justice
Meanwhile, the legal process surrounding the singer's death is experiencing delays. The defendant, Damián Valdez Galloso, known as "El Narra," is facing charges of first-degree murder, evidence tampering, and illegal firearm possession. The trial, originally scheduled for September 15, 2026, has been postponed and is expected to occur in February or March 2027.
Since El Taiger's passing, Padrón has been the leading force behind memorials and the quest for justice, maintaining a strong presence on social media. Among her notable efforts is the purchase of a chapel at the Colon Cemetery in Havana, ensuring the artist's remains can rest alongside his mother's, and her journey to Cuba to support the singer's daughter.
"Keeping this place beautiful is not just for him, but for everyone who comes here to remember him. Every flower, every balloon, every small gesture is a testament to how loved he remains and how his memory lives on," Padrón expressed in the video.
The next status hearing is set for September 2, 2026, with fans eagerly anticipating justice before the third anniversary of his death.
"As long as there are people like you who carry his legacy in their hearts, he will live on. Justice for José," Padrón concluded.
FAQs on the Memorial and Legal Proceedings for El Taiger
Who is responsible for maintaining El Taiger's memorial in Miami?
Teresa Padrón, the former manager of El Taiger, is dedicated to maintaining the memorial in Miami by refreshing it every month.
Why is El Taiger's mural in Miami being removed?
The mural is being removed because the property it is on was purchased by a church that has decided to take it down.
What are the charges against Damián Valdez Galloso?
Damián Valdez Galloso, also known as "El Narra," faces charges of first-degree murder, evidence tampering, and illegal firearm possession.
When is the trial for El Taiger's death expected to take place?
The trial, which has been delayed, is currently expected to occur in February or March 2027.