In Miami, the Cuban community has officially petitioned the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office to charge Damián Valdez Galloso with first-degree murder for the killing of Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal, widely known as "El Taiger." This demand has intensified following the initial charge of second-degree murder, which many believe does not adequately reflect the brutality and premeditation of the crime.
The petition has gathered over 23,000 signatures, urging the State Attorney to reassess the severity of the charges. Teresa Padrón, El Taiger's manager, has been a key advocate for this cause, actively sharing the petition on social media and calling for community support. "Let's sign and share the petition to seek justice for José," she posted on Instagram, stressing that the artist's family and friends feel that a second-degree murder charge downplays the gravity of the incident.
Community Outrage Over Crime Details
Police records reveal that Valdez shot El Taiger in the head at the entrance of his Miami residence. After the shooting, Valdez tampered with the crime scene by dragging the body to a vehicle, cleaning up evidence, and abandoning the wounded artist near Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was later discovered by authorities. These actions have sparked outrage within the community, who view the act as meticulously planned and executed with chilling precision, fueling their demand for more severe charges.
Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
Recently, Damián Valdez refused to appear in Miami-Dade court, further aggravating the frustration felt by El Taiger's family and fans. Teresa Padrón, who has attended the court hearings, expressed her disappointment at Valdez's refusal to face justice, stating that his actions demonstrate a lack of remorse and contempt for the seriousness of his crime.
The next court hearing for Valdez is set for November 22. The Cuban community in Miami remains steadfast in their efforts to ensure that the case is handled with the utmost severity possible.