The National Police have arrested four suspects in the brutal attack on merengue star Gilberto Julián Sarante's home that left his 60-year-old wife, Zeneida Socorro Castillo, dead and the singer seriously injured. The assault on 21 September in Brisa Oriental VI, Santo Domingo Este, reportedly involved prolonged torture of Castillo before she was killed. Authorities say the suspects had trusted links to the artist's circle, including an air-conditioning technician who worked at the singer's properties. The police and the Public Prosecutor's Office continue to investigate as the singer recovers from traumatic head injuries.
Four Arrested in Killing of Merengue Star Julián Oro Duro's Wife; Singer Severely Injured
Four suspects arrested over murder of Dominican merengue singer's wife
The Dominican Republic's National Police have arrested four suspects in the violent assault on the Santo Domingo home of merengue star Gilberto Julián Sarante, widely known as Julián Oro Duro. The attack left his 60-year-old wife, Zeneida Socorro Castillo, dead and the singer seriously injured. All four suspects are now in custody as investigators continue to build the case.
Details of the Attack
The assault occurred on 21 September at the artist's residence in Brisa Oriental VI, Santo Domingo Este. Authorities report that Castillo was held and tortured for several hours before being killed. The singer sustained traumatic head injuries during the attack and remains in recovery.
Suspects and Their Links to the Artist
The National Police identified the detained individuals as Phillips Michael Tejeda Vásquez; Juan Carlos Hernández García (known as "Peña"); Kevin Dariel Germán Troncoso (known as "Yandel"), 23; and Lawrence Mark Liranzo Marcos (known as "Chiquito"), 18. Police said Liranzo Marcos was arrested after an active search.
Investigators say the suspects had working or trusted ties to the singer's entourage. Tejeda Vásquez worked as an air-conditioning technician and reportedly performed private jobs at properties owned by Julián Oro Duro; authorities believe he may have been the link who brought the other suspects into the case. Liranzo Marcos is reported to have known the family and worked at a villa the singer had under construction in Guerra.
Official Response: The National Police and the Public Prosecutor's Office are continuing to gather evidence and pursue all investigative leads.
The case has provoked widespread shock across the Dominican Republic and has drawn intense media and public attention. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive and say the investigation is ongoing.
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