Jet Set Nightclub Owner: Homicide Charge
- Antonio Espaillat, owner of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, was arrested last week in connection wiht the April 8 roof collapse that killed 235 people...
- The arrest follows evidence provided by a club employee who reportedly warned owners to cancel the show due to the roof's condition.
- Among the victims were Pérez's saxophone player, former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, and Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province.
Antonio Espaillat, the owner of the Jet Set nightclub, now faces an involuntary homicide charge after a tragic roof collapse. The incident, occurring during a Rubby Pérez performance, resulted in the death of 235 people and injuries to nearly 200 more. Authorities arrested Espaillat following an inquiry that revealed warnings about the roof’s condition were ignored, leading to the catastrophic failure. The Dominican nightclub owner is also under scrutiny for alleged attempts to influence potential witnesses. Evidence shows a history of roof repairs and negligence. News Directory 3 brings you the latest on this developing story, including details on the victims and the ongoing legal battle. Discover what’s next as the undisclosed engineering report becomes available and further accusations surface.
Dominican Nightclub Owner Arrested After Deadly Roof Collapse
Updated June 17, 2025
Antonio Espaillat, owner of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, was arrested last week in connection wiht the April 8 roof collapse that killed 235 people and injured almost 200. Prosecutors charged Espaillat with involuntary homicide June 12.
The arrest follows evidence provided by a club employee who reportedly warned owners to cancel the show due to the roof’s condition. The deadly incident occurred during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez, celebrating the venue’s 50th anniversary. The roof collapsed about an hour after the show began.
Among the victims were Pérez’s saxophone player, former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, and Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province. Her brother is seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.
Espaillat, described as a wealthy businessman with a family-owned radio station chain, faces charges along with his sister, who helped manage the club. The attorney general’s office accused the siblings of “immense irresponsibility and negligence” for failing to ensure adequate repairs to the Jet Set Club’s roof.
Authorities also allege the Espaillats attempted to manipulate or intimidate potential witnesses. The club,owned by Espaillat and his mother,had a history of repeated roof repairs.
In a TV interview weeks after the collapse,Espaillat acknowledged ceiling panels often got soaked from air conditioning leaks,with workers replacing panels the day of the Pérez show. While Espaillat claimed ignorance of the roof’s critical state, an employee provided evidence suggesting he was warned about the danger.
The employee’s lawyer stated his client turned over a phone containing conversations detailing his fears and suggestions to suspend the event, which were ignored.
Lawsuits have been filed regarding the incident. An engineering report reviewing the collapse was completed last week, but its findings remain undisclosed.
What’s next
The legal proceedings against Antonio Espaillat and his sister will continue,with the undisclosed engineering report potentially playing a key role. further details regarding the alleged witness intimidation may also emerge as the case progresses.