This past Thursday, a preliminary hearing was held at the Miami-Dade County criminal court regarding the murder of Cuban reggaeton singer El Taiger. Friends, family, and fans of the artist attended, hoping for progress in the case and to learn if the prosecution would pursue the death penalty against the accused. Yet, the situation remains uncertain.
Teresa Padrón, the late singer's former manager, clarified that the prosecution has not yet decided on seeking the death penalty. "They were asked if they would pursue the death penalty and responded that no decision has been made at this time, so no announcement will be given," she told gathered reporters.
Padrón also mentioned that, although March 31 was suggested as a potential trial date, her discussion with the prosecutor led her to believe this could change. The lack of concrete information left attendees feeling frustrated.
"I'm extremely frustrated, as you can probably tell," Padrón expressed. Similarly, Jeffrey Jarquín, a fan and activist, voiced his dissatisfaction with the current situation: "We can't say much because it's a process, and we don't want to jeopardize it."
On Instagram, Padrón vented her frustration about the direction the case is taking and demanded justice for El Taiger. She believes the authorities are deliberately dragging their feet to avoid media attention. "I already contacted the prosecution and am waiting for a call. I know how this country operates; I was born here, and I know it takes time, but they are prolonging this to wear us out. They don't want this case to gain media attention!" she stated.
"José has no family here fighting for justice! Please support me, that's all I ask, let's unite and fight for the justice José deserves!" she added.
Padrón also highlighted the financial burden the judicial process poses to the state, noting that the accused isn't covering his defense costs. "You don't understand how much this costs the state! The murderer isn't paying for a lawyer, the state is! The state has to pay everyone, including the jury. This process is very expensive, and the state is footing the bill!" she emphasized.
She concluded by stating that her activism isn't about seeking attention or creating controversy on social media, but solely about demanding justice.
The Accused's Absence from Court
Damián Valdez Galloso, accused of murdering El Taiger, did not appear at this hearing, either in person or virtually. He hasn't attended previous hearings either. His sole court appearance occurred following his arrest in New York and extradition to Miami.
The 49-year-old Cuban faces first-degree murder charges, potentially leading to the death penalty if the prosecution chooses to pursue it and the court finds him guilty.
Evidence and Unanswered Questions
To date, the most compelling evidence presented by the prosecution is surveillance footage capturing the crime. The video shows the moment El Taiger was shot and fell, after which his body was dragged by Damián to a car.
The same vehicle, with the artist wounded in the head, was left near Jackson Memorial Hospital on October 3. Despite medical efforts, he passed away a week later, on October 10, at the same hospital.
Despite the time that has passed, the case continues to deeply affect those close to him and disturb his followers. The primary mystery remains the motive for the crime. However, beyond uncovering the reason behind the murder, friends and fans of the reggaeton star vow to keep demanding justice to honor his memory.
Key Questions Surrounding El Taiger's Murder Case
What is the current status of the death penalty decision?
The prosecution has not made a decision regarding the death penalty for the accused, and no announcements have been made.
Why is there frustration among El Taiger's supporters?
Supporters are frustrated due to the lack of concrete information and perceived delays in the judicial process, which they feel may be intentional to avoid media attention.
Has the accused appeared in court?
No, Damián Valdez Galloso, the accused, has not appeared in court for this or previous hearings, either physically or virtually.