Prosecutors have filed charges against a Cuban rapper for allegedly promoting a murder-for-hire plot to kill an inmate charged in the 2024 murder of singer El Taiger in Miami.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office has filed charges against Cuban rapper “Chocolate MC,” real name Yosvani Hernandez-Sierra, according to records.
Yosvani Sierra-Hernandez is now accused of making written threats to harm or injure Damian Valdez-Galloso, a man on trial for allegedly murdering Cuban artist Jose Manuel Carbajal Zaldivar, also known as “El Taiger.”
Investigators with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office believe Chocolate MC made many public social media posts indicating his willingness to pay a bounty for Valdez-Galloso’s head.
According to court filings, in one post, Chocolate MC allegedly uploaded Valdez-Galloso’s mug shot and begged for “20 mil sopas,” street slang for $20,000, as well as a year’s commissary for anyone who could get Valdez-Galloso killed.
In another post, Hernandez-Sierra allegedly uploaded Valdez-Galloso’s mugshot and stated that if the police did not kill him, they would.
Hernandez-Sierra allegedly mentioned a prison gang in his call to action.
Hernandez-Sierra was not present for his arraignment on Wednesday, but his attorney records show he pleaded not guilty.
Hernandez-Sierra’s attorney, Adolfo Gil, told NBC6 that his client is not guilty and that they will await their court date.
El Taiger was discovered lifeless and suffering from a gunshot wound in the back of an SUV at Northwest 9th Avenue and 17th Street on October 3, 2024. He died of his injuries days later, on October 10.
Valdez-Galloso, 50, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted tampering with physical evidence, and felony possession of a firearm.
Valdez-Galloso claims he acted in self-defense.