MIAMI — Cuban reggaeton artist Jose Manuel Carbajal Zadivar, better known as El Taiger, is in critical condition after being shot in the head in Miami early Thursday morning, according to local authorities.
According to CBS, The shooting occurred just after 7 a.m. near NW 17th Street and 10th Avenue, where police found El Taiger inside a black Mercedes SUV with a gunshot wound to the head. First responders rushed him to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he was placed on life support.
El Taiger’s manager, Macel Reinosa, told CBS News Miami that a person of interest has been identified — someone who knew the artist and allegedly called 9-1-1.
“No one on our team believes this was a suicide,” Reinosa said. “Based on the location of the bullet wound at the front of his head, it’s highly unlikely that he could have shot himself and then moved to the back of the SUV.”
On Friday, Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales confirmed that the 37-year-old artist remains hospitalized in critical condition.
“We’re confident we will uncover the truth behind this tragic incident,” Morales said. “This has deeply impacted the South Florida community.”
Detectives are working diligently to gather more evidence, but Morales declined to name any suspects or provide additional details, emphasizing that doing so could jeopardize the investigation.
“If this case is criminal in nature, we don’t want to compromise our ability to prosecute those responsible and bring justice to the victim and his family,” Morales explained.
The police urge anyone with information to contact (305) 579-6111 or (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
El Taiger is known for his urban sound in hits like “La Historia,” “El Papelito,” and “Habla Matador.” He debuted in 2016 with the album Taiger on Cosculluela’s label and was featured on the Fate of the Furious soundtrack in 2017. His latest release, “Rulay,” in collaboration with Niko G, came out this summer.
Following his shooting, artists like Gente de Zona and Jacob Forever expressed their support on social media, sending prayers for his recovery. Miami Police Chief Morales confirmed the investigation is ongoing, though no suspects have been identified yet.
A candlelight vigil was held Friday night at the scene of the shooting, as fans and community members gathered to pray for the artist’s recovery.
