Damian Valdez-Galloso, the man charged with the murder of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, known as El Taiger, faced Miami-Dade criminal court for the first time on Thursday. Presiding Judge Mindy S. Glazer denied him bail. During the proceedings, Valdez appeared in an anti-suicide vest, maintaining a blank expression. When asked about his ability to afford a private attorney, he barely whispered a "no," prompting the judge to appoint a public defender.
Throughout the hearing, Valdez remained still and expressionless as the charges were read. The session took an unusual turn when Judge Glazer questioned the prosecution's main charge of second-degree murder, suggesting it might be insufficient given the circumstances.
Judge Challenges Murder Charge
Judge Glazer raised concerns about the second-degree murder charge, questioning why first-degree murder wasn't pursued. Second-degree murder involves unplanned, impulsive actions, whereas first-degree murder requires premeditation—a deliberate intention to kill. "Is that the correct charge? It seems he shot him in the head, dragged his body into a vehicle, and the victim died later," Glazer remarked. "Isn't that intent to kill? Shouldn't it be first-degree?" she pressed.
The prosecutor responded, "Judge, we're not sure if we have enough evidence to prove premeditation necessary for a first-degree charge. We need an indictment we currently lack."
Other Charges and Arrest Details
In addition to second-degree murder, Valdez faces charges of attempting to tamper with physical evidence and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, according to TGK jail records. Valdez-Galloso, the sole suspect in El Taiger's murder, was extradited to Miami from New York after being captured following more than 20 days on the run. Upon landing, he underwent a thorough security check, remaining silent and compliant throughout.
A video shared by Univision journalist Javier Díaz showed Valdez's defiant demeanor upon his Miami arrival, as he was escorted handcuffed by two officers.
Criminal Background of Damian Valdez
Known as "El Narra," Damian Valdez-Galloso has a documented criminal history spanning over a decade. Between 2007 and 2018, he accumulated six convictions, including two for sexual relations with minors aged 16 to 17 and three for failing to register as a sexual offender. In 2018, he was convicted of grand theft and was detained by ICE in 2015 and 2019. Released from prison in September 2020, he faced another grand theft charge in Miami-Dade County in 2021.
As a registered sexual offender, Valdez lived in Hialeah, with his last known address being a coral-colored house on SE 5th Street and 5th Avenue.
Investigation and Arrest
Miami Police Chief Manuel A. Morales recently confirmed Valdez-Galloso's direct involvement in El Taiger's murder, stating no other individuals were implicated. While specific details of his capture in New York remain undisclosed, Miami police sent officers to the city, resulting in his arrest in Queens. Sources revealed that surveillance footage captured the shooting and subsequent movement of El Taiger's body, but authorities have yet to release the video.