The final resting place of Cuban singer José Manuel Carbajal, known as El Taiger, is reportedly at the center of a legal dispute, according to Univision journalist Mario Vallejo. During a live Facebook broadcast this past weekend, Vallejo revealed that "the owners of the funeral home responsible for arranging the transport of the casket to Cuba had reached an agreement with Jorge Junior." However, a woman claiming to have a "supposedly notarized power of attorney with the right to decide the fate of El Taiger's body" unexpectedly appeared.
Vallejo highlighted the "internal struggle" between those who wish for El Taiger's body to remain in Miami through cremation and those, namely his family, who want to take him back to Cuba. The journalist called for a peaceful resolution that honors the late artist.
Jorge Junior's Perspective
Jorge Junior, El Taiger's cousin, recently addressed the situation on Instagram, confirming that the funeral will occur on the weekend of October 18th and 19th at San Lázaro Church in Hialeah. Without directly mentioning the woman Vallejo referred to, Jorge Junior stated that he is working with lawyers and family members to ensure El Taiger can be laid to rest in his homeland next to his mother.
"We are figuring out how to transport my cousin back to the island so he can be buried alongside his mom, as he deserves," he explained. The singer expressed his disdain for individuals capitalizing on the tragedy for attention and emphasized that his priority is organizing a meaningful farewell for El Taiger.
In his statements, Jorge Junior also voiced faith in U.S. authorities and called for justice in El Taiger's death. Previously, he had informed Univision that the reggaeton artist's remains would be transported to Cuba: "I brought him here, and I will take him back... He will be cremated and placed with his mother in Cuba."
Public Opinion Divided
On social media, some of El Taiger's fans have advocated for his remains to be sent to Cuba, citing his deep love for the island. Conversely, others argue that his life and career in the United States were equally significant, suggesting he should remain in the U.S.
In a past interview, José Manuel Carbajal humorously addressed the topic, saying, "My body in ashes, and over my casket, they can do whatever they want and play dice," when asked about his thoughts on the afterlife.
Unresolved Circumstances of Death
On October 3rd, El Taiger was discovered gravely injured in the back of a Mercedes Benz van abandoned near the emergency room of Jackson Memorial Hospital. An anonymous caller notified authorities, who quickly ruled out suicide. Official reports confirmed his death on October 10th, following a week in critical condition.
The Miami Police have labeled the case a "puzzle," urging community cooperation to provide any information that may aid in solving the case. Police spokesperson Freddie Cruz mentioned that the van has been identified, and its owner is known, though this information has not been publicly disclosed. One individual of interest is Damián Valdez-Galloso, alias "El Narra," who was last seen with El Taiger the night of the incident and rented the hotel room where the singer stayed before being shot. Valdez-Galloso is not considered a direct suspect but may possess crucial information about the events leading to the artist's death.