Vigils Held in Havana and Miami for El Taiger, as Miami Police Make Progress on His Case

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Hundreds of fans of Cuban artist El Taiger gathered in Cuba and Miami on Friday night, October 4th, to pray for his health.

Meanwhile, the musician, whose real name is José Manuel Carvajal, is fighting for his life in Miami after suffering a gunshot wound to the head on Thursday, October 3rd. Close friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry have also gathered at the Trauma Unit of Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

In the meantime, the Miami police have released new information about how he was found shot, and his representative shared updates on his current condition.

In the famous Malecón in Havana, led by the young Cuban influencer Johayron, known as Rutina, those present prayed with Santería chants. They also sang some of El Taiger's songs, asking for his health and recovery.

The artist has many fans in his home country and is one of the leading figures of Cuban urban music.

In Miami, the vigil was held outside the hospital, attended by friends, fans, and community members. Among those present were Cuban artists Charly and Johayron, the rapper Payaso por Ley, and Chocolate MC, who previously had a public dispute with El Taiger.

How is El Taiger doing?

"The bullet entered through his forehead and exited the right side of his brain," said Carlos 'El Flaco' Alfaro, the artist's representative. "He lost part of his brain. He is currently connected to machines that are breathing for him."

"It's a miracle he's still alive," he added.

Artists like Gente de Zona, Jacob Forever, El Micha, and Aymée Nuviola, among others, have expressed their concern and support.

What is the police saying about El Taiger's case?

"If we determine that the case was criminal in nature, then we don't want to jeopardize our ability to prosecute those responsible, bring them to justice, and provide any form of justice to the family and victim," said Manuel Morales, Miami's police chief, during a press conference.

The Cuban press in Miami reported that authorities are ruling out the possibility of a suicide and are looking for a suspect. It was revealed that El Taiger was found in the trunk of a Mercedes SUV in the Allapattah neighborhood, an area in Miami known for its industrial warehouses and low-income residences.