Miami/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on October 11, 2024
Cuban Rapper 'El Taiger' Dies After Miami Shooting, Probe Turns to Person of InterestSource: Unsplash/Mike Labrum

The music world is mourning the loss of José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, widely known as Cuban rapper 'El Taiger', who passed away a week after being shot in Miami. His family confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries while in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital, as reported by WSVN. A statement thanking the medical team for their efforts was shared on the artist's Instagram.

Last Thursday, El Taiger was found with a gunshot wound to the head inside a black Mercedes-Benz SUV parked near the hospital. The investigation has now turned its focus on Damian Valdez-Galloso, who detectives from the Miami Police Department have named as a person of interest, looking to directly speak with him regarding the incident, as mentioned by Local 10 News. Meanwhile, the motive and the circumstances under which El Taiger was shot still remain largely unclear.

Throughout the week of medical treatment leading to his death, El Taiger's fans began gathering at the hospital to light candles and pay their respects. Friends and admirers were seen remembering the rapper's contributions to the Latin music scene and reggaeton genre, where he held the attention of over 1 million Instagram followers. 

They nevertheless have encouraged fans to celebrate his life by playing and dancing to his music in his memory. According to Hoodline, a friend close to El Taiger expressed the shock and pain felt by those close to him, saying, "The only thing we ask of people is to pray a lot because he can get through this. We are in shock because he is not a person who deserves any of this at all."

The Miami Police Department is continuing their investigation, working with other law enforcement agencies and following up on forensic and digital evidence to ascertain whether the shooting was a result of foul play or a self-inflicted action. To Those with information about the whereabouts of Valdez-Galloso are urged to contact the authorities, aiding in the ongoing investigation into the tragic events that led to the untimely demise of El Taiger.

Miami-Crime & Emergencies