On November 8, supporters of El Taiger initiated a signature campaign urging the Miami-Dade Prosecutor's Office to upgrade charges against Damián Valdez-Galloso to first-degree murder. Valdez-Galloso stands accused of the homicide of the Cuban reggaeton artist.
Teresa Padrón, El Taiger's manager, took to Instagram to share the petition link, urging followers, "Please, let's sign and share this petition to ensure justice for José."
Call for Justice
The petition demands the charges be escalated from second-degree to first-degree murder, a move even questioned by Judge Mindy S. Glazer during Valdez-Galloso's initial court appearance, where bail was denied. "José was brutally and premeditatedly taken from his family, including his four children. The current charge of second-degree murder does not fully capture the severity and intent of this crime. This classification diminishes the loss experienced by José Manuel Carvajal's family, friends, and community. We urge that Damián Valdez-Galloso be held fully accountable," the petition states.
Public Outcry and Support
As of this article's writing, the petition, aiming for a goal of 15,000 signatures, had already garnered over 12,000 signatures, reflecting the widespread support for this cause.