Latest news with #JoseSanchez
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
Officials scramble to identify victims of Dominican nightclub roof collapse
The number of victims who died after a roof collapsed at a nightclub surged to 184 as dozens of people lingered outside the Dominican Republic's forensic institute for news of their loved ones still missing more than a day after disaster struck. Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Centre of Emergency Operations, said crews at the scene were still looking for victims and potential survivors, although no-one has been found alive since Tuesday afternoon. 'We're not going to abandon anyone. Our work will continue,' he said. Several blocks away from the rubble, people searching for friends and family donned face masks and began complaining about a bad odour as they pleaded with officials to give them information about their loved ones. Earlier in the day, National Institute of Forensic Pathology officials read the names of 54 victims they had identified so far. 'We cannot wait until night-time!' said one woman who was waiting for news of a relative whose name she did not hear. 'We're going to go crazy!' Officials called for calm, saying they had already delivered at least 28 bodies to their families but did not yet have a tally of all the bodies recovered. Late on Wednesday, officials raised the number of dead to at least 184, with more than 200 injured. 'The authorities are selling us false dreams!' cried out Jose Sanchez, whose brother and brother-in-law were still missing. – The collapse The Jet Set club in Santo Domingo was packed with musicians, professional athletes and government officials when dust began falling from the ceiling and into people's drinks early on Tuesday. Minutes later, the entire roof collapsed. Concrete slabs killed some instantly and trapped dozens of others on a dance floor where hundreds had been dancing to a lively merengue concert. In the minutes that followed, the country's 911 system received more than 100 calls, many from people buried under rubble. The victims include merengue icon Rubby Perez, who had been singing to the crowd before disaster struck. His body was found early on Wednesday, said Mr Mendez. The government announced on Wednesday evening that it was moving to a recovery phase focused on finding bodies after 145 people were rescued from the wreckage of the nightclub. Rescue crews from Puerto Rico and Israel had arrived early on Wednesday to help with the search. Santo Domingo mayor Carolina Mejia praised what she said were acts of love, including one Dominican who was handing out coffee to those at the scene and a man on vacation from Costa Rica who joined the search because he's part of a rescue crew back home. – The victims So far, only a few dozen people have been identified in one of the worst disasters to hit the Dominican Republic. Those who died include a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer, a retired United Nations official, the son and daughter-in-law of the minister of public works and the brother of the vice minister of the Ministry of Youth. Also killed was former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, Satosky Terrero, spokesperson for the country's Professional Baseball League, told The Associated Press. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the north-western province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz, alerted President Luis Abinader about the disaster. She called him from underneath the rubble but later died at a hospital. Other victims include saxophonist Luis Solis, who was playing onstage when the roof fell; New York-based fashion designer Martin Polanco; several Venezuelan bartenders; and an Army captain who left behind four young girls. Grupo Popular, a financial services company, said three of its employees also died, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife. One man tearfully told reporters that he lost five relatives, including his wife and son. Dozens of victims remained unidentified. 'I have been to many hospitals, and I have not found her,' Deysi Suriel said of her friend, 61-year-old Milca Curiel, a North Carolina resident who was on vacation in the Dominican Republic. Health Minister Dr Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam announced the creation of a commission to provide psychological help for the victims' families. More than 20 of the injured remained in hospital on Wednesday, including at least eight in critical condition. 'A point in their favour is that they're young,' said Dr Julio Landron, director general of the Dr Ney Arias Lora Trauma Hospital, which has 21 of the Jet Set injured, including five in critical condition. Dr Landron warned, however, that none of them are in the clear, noting some suffered fractures in the skull, femur and pelvis. 'They spent hours, more than six, seven, eight hours under rubble with multiple fractures, multiple injuries, with bleeding related to being crushed,' he said. – The search Dozens of frantic relatives listened to officials read aloud a list of the identified victims at the forensics institute, while others went from hospital to hospital looking for their loved ones, some clutching photographs. 'Francisco Alberto Mendez… Rosa Herminia Perez… Ramon Teodoro Jimenez… Juan Manuel Santana,' one official read as the crowd strained to listen. 'Here! Here!' yelled one person upon hearing the name of their loved one. In the crowd was Virginia Rosario, who was looking for relatives including her cousin, who is still missing, and her sister, Rosa Herminia Perez, who died and whom she described as 'beautiful, precious, very nice'. 'I'm in a lot of pain,' she said. 'I have had many moments of despair.' Officials said late on Wednesday morning that they had not been able to identify at least 33 bodies. 'This is a very traumatic situation,' said national legislator Pedro Martinez, who also has relatives missing. Among those searching for friends and family was Kimberly Jones, whose godson, 45-year-old artist Osiris Blanc, and his friends were missing. 'It was their favourite place, they went there almost every Monday,' Ms Jones said. She said her niece also was missing. It was not immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse, or when the Jet Set building was last inspected. The club issued a statement saying it was cooperating with authorities. A spokesperson for the family that owns the club told The Associated Press that she passed along questions about potential inspections. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works referred questions to the mayor's office. A spokesperson for the mayor's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
Dominican Republic nightclub death toll reaches 184
The number of people killed by a collapsing roof at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic has risen to 184, as officials scramble to identify the victims. Dozens of people lingered outside the Dominican Republic's forensic institute late on Wednesday for news of their loved ones still missing after the incident at Jet Set nightclub. A growing number of them donned face masks and began complaining about a bad odour as they pleaded with officials to give them information about their loved ones. Earlier in the day, National Institute of Forensic Pathology officials read the names of 54 victims they had identified so far. "We cannot wait until nighttime," said one woman who was waiting for news of a relative whose name she did not hear. Officials called for calm, saying they had already delivered at least 28 bodies to their families, but did not yet have a tally of all the bodies recovered. "The authorities are selling us false dreams," cried out Jose Sanchez, whose brother and brother-in-law were still missing. So far, only a few dozen people have been identified in one of the worst disasters to hit the Dominican Republic. Those who died include a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer, a retired United Nations official, the son and daughter-in-law of the minister of public works and the brother of the vice minister of the Ministry of Youth. Also killed was former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, a spokesperson for the country's Professional Baseball League told The Associated Press. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, alerted president Luis Abinader about the disaster. She called him from underneath the rubble, but later died at a hospital. Other victims include saxophonist Luis Solis, who was playing onstage when the roof fell; New York-based fashion designer Martin Polanco; several Venezuelan bartenders and an army captain who left behind four young girls. Grupo Popular, a financial services company, said three of its employees also died, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife. One man tearfully told reporters that he lost five relatives, including his wife and son. Dozens of victims remained unidentified. "I have been to many hospitals, and I have not found her," Deysi Suriel said of her friend, 61-year-old Milca Curiel, a North Carolina resident who was on vacation in the Dominican Republic. Health minister Dr Victor Elias Atallah Lajam announced the creation of a commission to provide psychological help for the victims' families. More than 20 of the injured remained in hospital on Wednesday, including at least eight in critical condition. It was not immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse, or when the Jet Set building was last inspected. The club issued a statement saying it was co-operating with authorities. A spokesperson for the family that owns the club told The Associated Press that she passed along questions about potential inspections. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works referred questions to the mayor's office. A spokesperson for the mayor's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
Death toll in Dominican club roof collapse hits at least 184
The number of people killed by a collapsing roof at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic has risen to 184, as officials scramble to identify the victims. Dozens of people lingered outside the Dominican Republic's forensic institute late on Wednesday for news of their loved ones still missing after the incident at Jet Set nightclub. A growing number of them donned face masks and began complaining about a bad odour as they pleaded with officials to give them information about their loved ones. Earlier in the day, National Institute of Forensic Pathology officials read the names of 54 victims they had identified so far. 'We cannot wait until nighttime,' said one woman who was waiting for news of a relative whose name she did not hear. Officials called for calm, saying they had already delivered at least 28 bodies to their families, but did not yet have a tally of all the bodies recovered. 'The authorities are selling us false dreams,' cried out Jose Sanchez, whose brother and brother-in-law were still missing. So far, only a few dozen people have been identified in one of the worst disasters to hit the Dominican Republic. Those who died include a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer, a retired United Nations official, the son and daughter-in-law of the minister of public works and the brother of the vice minister of the Ministry of Youth. Also killed was former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, Satosky Terrero, spokesperson for the country's Professional Baseball League, told The Associated Press. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, alerted president Luis Abinader about the disaster. She called him from underneath the rubble, but later died at a hospital. Other victims include saxophonist Luis Solis, who was playing onstage when the roof fell; New York-based fashion designer Martin Polanco; several Venezuelan bartenders; and an army captain who left behind four young girls. Grupo Popular, a financial services company, said three of its employees also died, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife. One man tearfully told reporters that he lost five relatives, including his wife and son. Dozens of victims remained unidentified. 'I have been to many hospitals, and I have not found her,' Deysi Suriel said of her friend, 61-year-old Milca Curiel, a North Carolina resident who was on vacation in the Dominican Republic. Health minister Dr Victor Elias Atallah Lajam announced the creation of a commission to provide psychological help for the victims' families. More than 20 of the injured remained in hospital on Wednesday, including at least eight in critical condition. It was not immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse, or when the Jet Set building was last inspected. The club issued a statement saying it was cooperating with authorities. A spokesperson for the family that owns the club told The Associated Press that she passed along questions about potential inspections. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works referred questions to the mayor's office. A spokesperson for the mayor's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
DPS: Over 20 arrests made in Permian Basin human trafficking operations
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement, made over 20 arrests and rescued four victims in a series of human trafficking operations conducted throughout the Permian Basin in January. These efforts, according to DPS coincided with Human Trafficking Prevention Month and aimed to target individuals exploiting victims. DPS' Criminal Investigations Division, Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division, and Texas Highway Patrol spearheaded the operations alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and multiple local law enforcement agencies, including the Midland and Odessa Police Departments, Midland County Sheriff's Office, and several other regional agencies. ALSO: Love Shouldn't Hurt: Shedding light on human trafficking in Midland 'This was a very successful operation due to the outstanding collaboration of multiple agencies working toward combating human trafficking,' DPS West Texas Regional Director Jose Sanchez said. 'Human trafficking is on the rise, and we need the community's assistance in reporting it. If you see something, please say something.' Arrests made in Human Trafficking crackdown As a result of last month's operations, the following individuals were arrested for solicitation of prostitution, a state jail felony: Jacob Urena, 26, of Oklahoma Julian Asbiel Hernandez, 27, of Texas Jason Lutkenhaus, 42, of Texas Kenneth Kuethe, 69, of Texas Gayton Rodriguez, 29, of Mexico Raymond Ford, 61, of Oklahoma Dennis Ruhmann, 53, of Texas John Bishop, 56, of Texas Brandon Lopez, 30, of Texas Miguel Rostro, 34, of Texas Larry Rodriguez, 31, of Texas Jeffrey Wilson, 56, of Texas Jason Flowers, 49, of Texas Evan Palmer, 18, of Texas Fernando Cardosa, 40, of Texas Beyond the arrests for solicitation, DPS Special Agents worked jointly with the FBI and Midland Police Department in a human trafficking sting that resulted in the rescue of a sex trafficking victim and two arrests. Kimberly Rodriguez, 34, and Jayde Guerrero, 21, both of Texas, were charged with sex trafficking, a second-degree felony. In another case, DPS Special Agents assisted the Monahans Police Department with a sexual assault investigation, leading to the arrest of Botero Hernandez, 27, of Columbia, who now faces a charge of sexual assault of a child, a third-degree felony. Further efforts between DPS Special Agents, HSI, and the Odessa Police Department resulted in the rescue of an infant sexual assault victim and two more arrests. Leiwin Lara-Hernandez, 23, and Cleyret Pacheco-Peraza, both of Cuba, were arrested on multiple felony charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a child, possession of child pornography, and promotion of child pornography. Learn more here: Odessa child sexual assault suspects held by ICE Additionally, DPS Special Agents supported the Ector County ISD Police in an investigation that led to the arrest of Bobby Lynn Harris, 66, of Texas, for possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony. DPS continues to emphasize a victim-centered approach, ensuring that victims' safety, recovery, and stabilization are top priorities alongside the investigation and prosecution of traffickers. In last month's operations, four victims were rescued: a 16-month-old infant, a 7-year-old child, an 18-year-old, and a 23-year-old adult. These investigations underscore the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies in fighting human trafficking. Public awareness remains a critical factor in prevention and intervention. If you suspect human trafficking, call 911 immediately and provide as many details as possible. Reports can also be made through iWatchTexas or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. You can also text 'BeFree' to 233733 for assistance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
DPS arrests over 20 in Permian Basin human trafficking operations
Feb. 10—MIDLAND — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) made over 20 arrests and rescued four victims in human trafficking operations conducted in the Permian Basin throughout the month of January. Held during Human Trafficking Prevention Month, these collaborative operations with local, state and federal law enforcement partners targeted individuals seeking to exploit and victimize trafficking victims and identified and apprehended individuals suspected of human trafficking, a news release said. In addition to DPS' Criminal Investigations Division, DPS' Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division and the Texas Highway Patrol, the following agencies assisted and/or led these investigations: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Midland Police Department; Odessa Police Department, Midland County Sheriff's Office, Monahans Police Department, Lamesa Police Department, Big Spring Police Department, Howard County Sheriff's Office, Midland ISD Police, Ector County ISD Police and Ector County Sheriff's Office. "This was a very successful operation due to the outstanding collaboration of multiple agencies working towards combating human trafficking," DPS West Texas Regional Director Jose Sanchez said in the release. "Human trafficking is on the rise, and we need the community's assistance in reporting human trafficking; if you see something, please say something." As a result of last month's human trafficking operations in the Permian Basin, the following subjects were arrested for solicitation of prostitution, a state jail felony: — Jacob Urena, 26, of Oklahoma — Julian Asbiel Hernandez, 27, of Texas — Jason Lutkenhaus, 42, of Texas — Kenneth Kuethe, 69, of Texas — Gayton Rodriguez, 29, of Mexico — Raymond Ford, 61, of Oklahoma — Dennis Ruhmann, 53, of Texas — John Bishop, 56, of Texas — Brandon Lopez, 30, of Texas — Miguel Rostro, 34, of Texas — Larry Rodriguez, 31, of Texas — Jeffrey Wilson, 56, of Texas — Jason Flowers, 49, of Texas — Evan Palmer, 18, of Texas — Fernando Cardosa, 40, of Texas In addition, DPS Special Agents worked jointly with the FBI and Midland Police Department on a human trafficking operation that resulted in the rescue of a victim of sex trafficking and two arrests. Kimberly Rodriguez, 34, and Jayde Guerrero, 21, both of Texas, were arrested and charged with sex trafficking, a second-degree felony. DPS Special Agents assisted the Monahans Police Department with a sexual assault investigation and arrested Botero Hernandez, 27, of Columbia. Hernandez is charged with sexual assault of a child, a third-degree felony. DPS Special Agents, HSI and the Odessa Police Department also worked jointly in an investigation that resulted in the rescue of an infant sexual assault victim and two arrests. Leiwin Lara-Hernandez, 23, and Cleyret Pacheco-Peraza, both of Cuba, were arrested for aggravated sexual assault of a child, possession of child pornography and promotion of child pornography — all felony charges. DPS Special Agents assisted Ector County ISD Police with a sexual assault investigation that resulted in the arrest of Bobby Lynn Harris, 66, of Texas for possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony. DPS focuses efforts to combat human trafficking by utilizing a victim-centered approach, which places equal importance and value on the identification, recovery, safety and stabilization of victims in addition to the investigation and prosecution of traffickers. As part of last month's human trafficking operations in the Permian Basin, four victims were rescued — ages 16 months, 7, 18 and 23-years-old. These investigations highlight the critical partnership between local, state and federal law enforcement partners to combat human trafficking, and public awareness is critical to preventing and combating human trafficking. If you see signs of human trafficking, call 911 immediately to report it and be ready to give as many details as possible. You can also make a report on iWatchTexas or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "BeFree" to 233733.
