In a devastating aftermath from April’s collapse, Antonio Espaillat—owner of Santo Domingo’s iconic Jet Set nightclub—and his sister Maribel were arrested on June 12. Authorities have 48 hours to formally charge them.
The Dominican Republic’s Attorney General’s Office called the siblings “immense irresponsibility and negligence,” accusing them of failing “to physically intervene to prevent the club’s roof from collapsing, as it ultimately did, causing 236 deaths and more than 180 injuries.”
Among the 236 victims was merengue legend Rubby Pérez, who was performing that night for about 515 attendees. Miami baseball icons Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, plus Montecristi governor Nelsy Cruz (sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz), also perished in the disaster.
In his April 23rd TV interview, Antonio pledged cooperation: “I’m going to face everything. I’m not going anywhere.” He continued, “To the families of the victims, I want to say I’m sorry. I’m very sorry. I am completely destroyed.” He described the event’s weight: “There are no words to express the pain this event has caused.”
Jet Set had celebrated its 50th anniversary. Antonio acknowledged ongoing maintenance issues, sharing on Telesistema’s El Dia: “there was no warning” the roof was unstable, though he admitted the roof “had routine water filtration issues for years, stemming from its air conditioning units.”
President Luis Abinader expressed national sorrow on X: “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. … Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Prosecutors allege the Espaillats tried to intimidate or manipulate employees and note that the siblings come from a prominent entertainment empire. The true cause remains under investigation.
