Missouri Woman Allegedly Burns Down Several Businesses in Puerto Rico
Credit: Merrill Images/Getty Images
A Missouri woman allegedly named Danielle Bertothy burned down three different businesses and a damaged others in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, during what was presumably a New Year’s visit to the island before getting on a flight back to her home state. The businesses have been identified as Marinera, Bar Marea, and Artesania Juavia.
The incident was caught on video and allegedly happened after the woman was asked to leave the bar because she was drunk and disorderly. The police were involved in the call to remove her from the premises before she came back at night with a gasoline can and set the businesses on fire.
Daniela Velázquez, a Puerto Rican Alderperson from Missouri posted on X, formerly Twitter, a letter directed to HLK Agency, where the woman is employed, asking them to cooperate with the investigation.
“The allegations involve acts of destruction that have devastated small business owners, harmed the local economy, and shaken the sense of safety in Cabo Rojo,” the letter read. “Her audacity to commit such a brazen act of violence during our island’s beloved holiday season has also shocked Puerto Ricans across the diaspora like me.”
It was later reported that the company had allegedly suspended Berthothy, with a statement from them reading, “We were shocked to learn about the event in Puerto Rico earlier this afternoon. We have not yet been contacted by law enforcement in either Puerto Rico or Missouri but we are ready to cooperate in their investigation if asked. After learning about this, we chose to place Ms. Berthothy on suspension immediately pending further investigation. We are outraged by this senseless act and hope the authorities can address it in a timely fashion.”
Missouri police also provided an update indicating that they had been in contact with Puerto Rican police regarding the incident and have not, so far, been asked for any assistance. No arrest warrants have yet been issued. Since the crime occurred in Puerto Rico, it must be investigated by the Puerto Rican Police.
Marea Bar and Artesania Juavia currently have a GoFundMe to rebuild. They have so far raised over $135k.
