Manuel Morales, the Miami Police Chief, provided clarity on Wednesday during a Univision interview regarding lingering questions surrounding the murder of El Taiger. This discussion occurred just hours before the release of a video capturing the precise moment Damian shot the reggaeton star.
In conversation with journalist Daniel Benítez, Morales addressed some inquiries while choosing not to comment on others due to ongoing investigations. One significant revelation from the high-ranking officer was the confirmation of a woman's presence inside the residence when Damian fired at El Taiger.
"We have no probable cause to believe that the woman seen in the video was involved in any aspect of the incident," Morales stated, offering no further details. Benítez later clarified that the woman in question is Damian's wife. Morales emphasized that she is "cooperating with the police" and reiterated that she was not involved in the violent act itself.
Despite the confirmation of a woman's presence, the surveillance footage released today does not show any other individual besides Damian. Morales repeatedly confirmed that all evidence indicates the accused acted alone in moving El Taiger's body to the car without assistance.
"He attempted to carry him to the car but couldn't, so he moved the car closer and with great effort, managed to load him into the back," Morales explained, referring to a part of the video not included in the public release. The police chief also noted that no further arrests are expected, and no additional individuals are under investigation.
When asked about Damian's motive for shooting El Taiger—a question on the minds of many Cubans—Morales stated that the motive remains unknown. "We have no indication of the motive. The investigation cannot currently determine if there was any premeditation on his part to commit the homicide," he remarked.
Unanswered Questions and Investigation Progress
Benítez queried how Damian returned home from the hospital area after abandoning the car with the body, but Morales replied, "It's not the time to disclose that detail." Regarding the reason Damian left tanks on the car, Morales speculated he might have intended to burn the vehicle to destroy evidence.
Morales mentioned he is unsure how Damian traveled to New York but doubts it was by air, given the swift implementation of a notification to monitor his potential departure. He confirmed that Damian was unarmed at the time of his arrest.
The case has garnered significant media attention, with Morales expressing surprise at the public and media interest surrounding the incident, as noted in Benítez's YouTube channel report summarizing the interview.
Finally, when questioned about the request to elevate the charge from second-degree to first-degree murder, Morales was resolute. He insisted that decisions must be made "based on evidence, not emotion," and currently, the evidence supports a charge of second-degree murder.