Owner arrested from Dominican nightclub where 236 people were killed

This article was last updated on June 13, 2025

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Owner arrested from Dominican nightclub where 236 people were killed

In the Dominican Republic, the owner of a nightclub whose roof is in April collapsed arrested on suspicion of death by guilt. Arrived at the disaster in the nightclub in the capital Santo Domingo 236 people for life. At the moment the roof collapsed, a performance took place in which hundreds of people were present.

The owner’s sister, who has a management position within the company, has also been arrested. According to the prosecutor, Antonio and Maribel Espaillat have ignored structural damage to the roof for years. “Both suspects showed immense irresponsibility and negligence by not being physically intervened and thus preventing the roof from collapsing.”

The family’s lawyer indicates to the local press that the family is kindly acting and cooperating in the investigation. Apart from the criminal investigation, the government has appointed a committee with international experts investigating the cause of the roof collapsing.

I want to say to the families of the victims that I am sorry. I’m very sorry. I am completely devastated.

Antonio Espaillat, owner of the nightclub

There is no charge against the two yet. The authorities now have two days to submit an indictment to a judge. Apart from the suspicion of death by guilt, the brother and sister are suspected of intimidating employees of the nightclub, the prosecutor reports in a press release. The employees can be called up as witnesses.

Drywall for leaks

In an interview With a local TV channel, the owner said at the end of April, shortly after the disaster, that the building had been struggling with leaks for decades, and that they were always resolved with the placement of drywall. A few hours before the collapse, new records were installed, he told the channel. He also said that the roof was made watertight again every six to eight years.

The collapse came as a “surprise” for him. “I want to say to the families of the victims that I am sorry. I am very sorry. I am completely devastated.” Antonio Espaillat is a well -known and influential businessman in the country. For example, he owns different entertainment centers and many local radio stations.

Among the dead were also two former professional pawn ballers: Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. Dotel played at thirteen MLB clubs in the US and Canada since 1999 and became champion in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Blanco also played in the US and had a long professional career in Japan.

Another prominent victim is Nelsy Cruz, the governor of a Dominican province and the sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. Immediately after the disaster she called with President Abinader and said she was stuck. The president’s wife told journalists emotionally about the phone call. Cruz died in the hospital shortly after the accident.

Several relatives of victims have brought lawsuits against the club owner.

Merengue evenings

The nightclub Jet Set in the capital Santo Domingo existed since 1973. Merengue evenings were held every Monday. They attracted national and international artists and were popular with many Dominicans. Merengue is a traditional dance and music style from the Dominican Republic.

The moment the roof collapsed, a performance by the famous merengue singer Rubby Pérez was going on. He himself was also killed at the disaster.