Dominican Republic Nightclub Owners Arrested After Roof Collapse Kills 236

Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, owners of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, were arrested on charges of involuntary homicide and negligence following the April 8 roof collapse that killed 236 people and injured over 180 others. Prosecutors allege the Espaillats showed immense irresponsibility by failing to repair the roof despite warnings, including from a former employee who advised canceling a concert due to the roof's precarious condition, and accuse them of attempting to intimidate potential witnesses. The tragedy claimed the lives of notable figures such as merengue singer Rubby Pérez and former Major League Baseball players. The nightclub had longstanding structural issues with roof leaks that were temporarily patched but never properly fixed. Authorities have 48 hours to file formal charges, while a government-appointed committee, including international experts, continues investigating the cause. The Espaillat family, which owns a media conglomerate and other businesses, faces numerous lawsuits from victims' families and has pledged to cooperate with the inquiry.