Cuban Reggaeton Star El Taiger Shot Dead, Police Launch Murder Investigation

MIAMI (WSVN) – Renowned Cuban reggaeton artist El Taiger has passed away, adding to the city’s growing list of tragic incidents. The 37-year-old musician, whose real name was José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, succumbed to his injuries one week after being admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital. Police have classified the incident as a murder.

The announcement of El Taiger’s death was made public through a heartfelt Instagram post by his team on a recent Thursday. They expressed gratitude towards the attending medical staff and urged fans to continue celebrating his life by playing his music. “Listen to the music! That is music,” said Aracely Quijano, a devoted fan who joined the growing number of mourners at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

El Taiger’s condition was reported as critical after he was found with a gunshot wound to the head in the back of a black Mercedes-Benz SUV, located near the intersection of Northwest Ninth Avenue and 17th Street. Initial inquiries aimed to ascertain whether the injury was self-inflicted or the result of foul play. However, detectives have since confirmed it as a murder case.

According to Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales, Damien Valdez-Galloso, a 49-year-old from Hialeah, is currently sought for questioning in connection with the case. “We are not certain if other individuals may be involved,” Morales stated, highlighting the need for public cooperation to advance the investigation.

The news of his passing resonated deeply within the community, with fans and friends gathering both at the hospital and at a spontaneous memorial near the site of the incident. Jonathan Esponda, one of El Taiger’s admirers, remarked, “He was big for our community, really big in our community.”

Police maintained a presence at the gatherings to ensure order, reminding the crowd to adhere to sidewalk boundaries and express their grief safely. Meanwhile, El Taiger’s family requested privacy in this difficult time and encouraged his followers to keep his spirit alive through his music.

Details regarding a formal service or memorial for El Taiger are yet to be disclosed. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Informants can choose to remain anonymous and may qualify for a reward up to $5,000.