On November 21, Damián Valdez-Galloso's absence from his court appearance did not prevent his attorney from entering a not guilty plea on his behalf. This decision has sparked widespread outrage among fans of the reggaeton artist, El Taiger. Many are baffled by Valdez-Galloso's claim of innocence, considering the substantial evidence against him.
The public's frustration is evident across social media platforms. Comments like, “With all the video evidence, how can he deny it? This guy is a real joker. Justice for José will prevail,” and “How can he plead not guilty? His audacity is unbelievable,” reflect the sentiment. Others noted, “Nobody admits guilt in the early stages of a trial, especially in serious cases like this. We all know he's guilty; the trial will be lengthy,” and “Didn't the video clearly show him as the shooter? I don't understand.”
Some suggest there might be a strategic reason behind his plea: “It's better for him to plead not guilty now. If it goes to trial, he could face the maximum sentence. However, if he negotiates a plea deal, he might receive a lighter sentence. So, it's actually good news that he's pleading not guilty.” Others argue, “By pleading not guilty, he could face the full extent of the law. If he admitted guilt, he might avoid the death penalty or receive a reduced sentence, which isn't what we want. We want justice.”
Legal Proceedings Just Beginning
Journalist Daniel Benítez, reporting from outside the Miami-Dade courthouse, shared that a subsequent court date has been scheduled for December 19. “This is just the start of the legal journey. The not guilty plea sets the stage for a trial where all evidence will be presented,” he explained.
Valdez-Galloso is required to appear in court to face charges of second-degree murder, evidence tampering, and possession of a firearm. The legal process is expected to rigorously examine the accusations and evidence surrounding the case.