Ivon Pérez Richard, a 42-year-old woman featured in the video capturing the murder of Cuban reggaeton star José Manuel Carbajal, known as El Taiger, was taken into custody early on Monday, January 6, following an attempt to escape. Miami-Dade authorities announced via Facebook that Pérez Richard faces charges for breaching a court order prohibiting her from leaving the state of Florida.
Pérez Richard is the cousin of Damián Valdés Galloso, the primary suspect in the killing. She was present at his residence on the night the 37-year-old musician was fatally shot in the head. Although her exact role in the crime remains under investigation, her presence at the scene has sparked outrage among the artist's supporters, who were disturbed by footage showing her walking beside the gravely injured musician without calling 911.
The tragic event took place on October 3, 2024, when El Taiger was discovered with a gunshot wound in the back of a truck near Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital. He was pronounced dead a week later, on October 10, as thousands of fans demanded justice while Valdés Galloso remained on the run. Investigations revealed that the shooting occurred at Valdés Galloso's home in Hialeah, where security cameras recorded the moment El Taiger was shot in the forehead and collapsed. Pérez Richard's presence is noted in the footage from that night.
Despite a legal order preventing her from leaving the state, Pérez Richard attempted to flee, resulting in her arrest. The news was welcomed by Teresa Padrón, El Taiger's manager, who has been advocating for justice on social media. Valdés Galloso, accused of being the mastermind behind the murder, was scheduled to appear in court on December 19, 2024, but proceedings were delayed due to the holiday season. The trial is set to resume on January 29, 2025, when the jury is available.
"Stay tuned, we will be here and we won't back down. We'll continue to attend the court sessions, and with God's favor, everything will be resolved soon," Padrón stated during a live stream from the courthouse, anticipating a lengthy trial process.
Key Questions About El Taiger's Murder Case
Who is Ivon Pérez Richard?
Ivon Pérez Richard is a 42-year-old woman linked to the video of El Taiger's murder. She was arrested for violating a court order by attempting to flee the state.
What role did Damián Valdés Galloso play in El Taiger's murder?
Damián Valdés Galloso is the primary suspect in the murder of El Taiger. He is accused of orchestrating the shooting that led to the artist's death.
When is the trial for El Taiger's murder scheduled to resume?
The trial is set to continue on January 29, 2025, after being postponed due to the holiday season.