A Miami-Dade judge has authorized the business of Cuban reggaeton singer El Taiger to resume operations under new leadership following his death. El Taiger, whose real name was Jose Manuel Carbajal Zaldivar, was tragically found with a fatal gunshot wound in October 2024, leaving his estate and music business in legal uncertainty.
New Leadership for El Taiger’s Estate
According to court records obtained by NBC6, the judge appointed two co-personal representatives to oversee El Taiger’s estate and business activities. The representatives include Yuneymis Barreto, a South Florida attorney, and Katherine Riveron Garcia, the mother of the singer’s 6-year-old daughter.
Barreto stated to NBC6 that the representatives will manage the estate until El Taiger’s four children, who are the legal heirs, reach adulthood. The beneficiaries include a 7-year-old son and three daughters aged 6, 7, and 12.
Authorized Activities for the Estate Representatives
The court order explicitly details the responsibilities and permissions granted to the new representatives. They are authorized to:
- Collect royalties and licensing fees
- Negotiate and execute new licensing agreements
- Market and promote El Taiger’s musical catalog to maintain public interest
- Ensure revenue generation and safeguard copyrights
- Initiate the release of new musical works, including unedited songs and music videos
- Pursue legal actions against unauthorized use or infringement of El Taiger’s music
Additionally, the representatives must deposit net profits into the estate’s restricted depository and submit quarterly financial reports to the court detailing income and expenses. This mirrors the kind of structured oversight seen in other business expansions supported by newly approved incentives in the St. Lucie area.
Estate Faces Substantial Tax Liability
Records indicate that El Taiger failed to pay federal income taxes for multiple years, resulting in significant tax liabilities. The estate is responsible for addressing and resolving these outstanding financial obligations, although the total value of the estate remains confidential. For more information on federal tax obligations, visit the Internal Revenue Service.
Criminal Case Update
Damian Valdez-Galloso, the individual accused of El Taiger’s murder, currently faces several charges including first-degree murder, attempted tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Valdez-Galloso has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted of first-degree murder, he could face life imprisonment. For details on criminal charges and sentencing in Florida, refer to the Florida Office of the Attorney General.
Teresa Padron, El Taiger’s former manager, expressed dissatisfaction with the state attorney’s decision regarding the case and indicated that the family intends to appeal the decision. The case is being handled in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which serves Miami-Dade County.
Future Plans for El Taiger’s Music Legacy
Attorney Yuneymis Barreto emphasized the representatives’ readiness to release new music, support new projects, and facilitate tributes to honor El Taiger’s musical legacy. “To release his music, to listen to his work, to new projects, to people that want to make tributes to El Taiger. We are ready to do that,” Barreto said. This proactive approach to legacy management resembles how Port St. Lucie farmers pivoted to quail in response to shifting market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About El Taiger’s Business
What happened to El Taiger?
El Taiger, whose real name was Jose Manuel Carbajal Zaldivar, was found with a fatal gunshot wound in October 2024. His death led to legal complications regarding his business and estate.
Who are the new representatives of El Taiger’s estate?
The court appointed Yuneymis Barreto, a South Florida attorney, and Katherine Riveron Garcia, the mother of El Taiger’s 6-year-old daughter, as co-personal representatives of the estate.
What responsibilities do the estate representatives have?
The representatives manage royalties, licensing agreements, marketing, new music releases, and legal actions against unauthorized use of El Taiger’s music. They must also handle financial reporting and tax liabilities. Their multifaceted role is not unlike how local farmers diversified into quail eggs to meet evolving consumer demands.
Are El Taiger’s children involved in managing his estate?
El Taiger’s four children are the legal heirs to his estate. However, the appointed representatives will manage the estate until the children reach adulthood.
Can new music from El Taiger still be released?
Yes, the representatives have been authorized to release new musical works, including previously unedited songs and music videos, to maintain public interest in El Taiger’s legacy.
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