In the quiet, tense atmosphere of a Santo Domingo night, Antonio Espaillat was taken into custody, wearing a bulletproof vest and remaining silent before the media. Alongside his sister, Maribel Espaillat, he faces accusations of involuntary manslaughter due to the catastrophic roof collapse at their nightclub, Jet Set, on April 8th, which claimed 236 lives and injured 180 more. Both siblings were detained at Ciudad Nueva prison, awaiting a hearing to decide if they could face trial while free.

The arrest warrant, highlighted in a statement by the Prosecutor's Office, accused the siblings of "immense irresponsibility and negligence" for failing to ensure that the club's roof received proper maintenance to prevent disaster. The document also mentioned attempts by the accused to intimidate or manipulate employees of Inversiones E and L, S.R.L., the company managing Jet Set Club, who might serve as witnesses in the criminal investigation. The club's communication team declined to comment.

After extensive questioning and the discovery of new evidence, the arrest followed. Former employee G. A. acknowledged having repeatedly warned about signs of infrastructure deterioration, such as constant leaks, water buildup on the roof, and visible cracks. G. A. even provided screenshots of conversations warning the owners about the risks of hosting the April 8th event. "I've voiced my concerns many times, not out of spite, but because I didn't want more lives endangered. That roof showed signs of trouble, and knowing the tragedy could have been avoided pains me," G. A. expressed to local media.

In a recent interview with Sincaretatv, the ex-reservation manager reported feeling threatened and watched since testifying in court. "I've noticed strange occurrences—calls from unknown numbers, urging me to drop the matter. I'm not fabricating anything; I just want the truth revealed [...]. I need protection so I don't end up dead, portrayed as an accident," G. A. explained. The Espaillats' lawyer, Miguel Valerio, denied any threats and insisted any claims were "misinterpretations." "He shared his account; we have ours regarding what he said, and I believe the investigation is complete," Valerio stated.

Valerio also argued that his clients should proceed freely through the legal process, asserting, "There's no risk of escape; Antonio is present, residing in the country, and like you, the media, he poses no flight risk. The investigation is nearly complete, and now it's time to scrutinize the evidence."

To date, approximately 60 complaints have been lodged against the owners, the Dominican state, and the National District's City Council for allegedly failing their legal oversight duties. In earlier interviews with EL PAÍS, the attorney representing many of these cases, Félix Portes, noted that both the state and the Espaillats were attempting to "wash their hands" of the matter: "There is an unmistakable shared responsibility, and no one is assuming it," he added.

For those mourning lost loved ones, this development marks a hopeful first step toward justice and accountability. Franklyn Suero, spokesperson for the Haineros Dorados elderly group mourning 11 members lost that tragic night, expressed a sense of relief: "Finally, a genuine investigation is underway, unlike before when authorities seemed dismissive. Complaints here often fade with time, forgotten. Now, justice might prevail," Suero celebrated over the phone.

Suero also revealed plans for further legal action, seeking advice from attorneys for additional complaints. On the day of the Espaillats' arrest, 65 days after the collapse, Jennifer Tavera, the last remaining hospitalized victim, was discharged.