Investigation Intensifies in El Taiger Shooting Incident

A prominent Cuban reggaeton artist, El Taiger, whose real name is José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, remains in critical condition following a shooting incident that took place on October 3 in Miami. The artist was discovered inside his vehicle by authorities with a gunshot wound to the head and has since undergone surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital. His current condition continues to be critical.

The incident has prompted reactions from the music industry, with numerous celebrities expressing their support for El Taiger. Among them, Colombian reggaeton singer J Balvin, who collaborated with El Taiger on the remix ‘Coronamos’, shared the reggaeton artist’s logo on his Instagram stories as a sign of solidarity.

Another significant figure, Tekashi 6ix9ine, posted a photo alongside El Taiger, accompanied by a message seeking divine intervention for his recovery. “Papa Dios, he is in your hands,” the rapper captioned his post.

In addition, fellow Cuban musician Descemer Bueno referred to El Taiger as his “brother,” urging for his swift recovery, and revealed that Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias had personally inquired about El Taiger’s health. Bueno conveyed, “Enrique called me yesterday, very concerned about José’s critical health condition.”

The Miami Police Department has identified Damián Valdez-Galloso, aged 49, as a person of interest in the case. Valdez-Galloso is reportedly a friend or acquaintance of El Taiger. The authorities have announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to Valdez-Galloso’s whereabouts, emphasizing their intention to resolve the case swiftly. “We can confirm at this moment that it was not a suicide; this is a criminal act under investigation,” stated Manuel Morales, the Miami Police Chief. He added that Valdez-Galloso resides in Hialeah.

The music community, including Randy Malcom of Gente de Zona and Jacob Forever, has shared emotional tributes and expressed hopes for El Taiger’s recovery, underlining the close bonds within the community. “I am here, waiting for him, and he knows it. We have had a relationship for years… We have to wait and see what happens,” Malcom noted.

El Taiger’s situation remains a focal point not only for his fans but also for the wider artistic community, as they await further updates on his condition and the ongoing investigation.