Photo credit; Oneil Cruz
Pittsburgh Pirates star Oneil Cruz allegedly hired a fixer after a 2020 crash in the Dominican Republic that killed three people.
According to a new ProPublica investigation, the baseball player’s representatives allegedly helped arrange payments totaling about $66,000 to the victims’ families. The families later withdrew claims against Cruz.
Oneil Cruz faced charges after crash
The deadly crash happened on Sept. 21, 2020, in Baní, Dominican Republic.
According to police records cited by ESPN, Cruz’s SUV struck a motorcycle carrying three people. The victims included Daniela Pérez García, 19, Deby Beato, 20, and Jons Sabab, 23.
All three died in the crash.
An investigation also found that Cruz had consumed alcohol before the accident, according to Dominican authorities. The crash happened during a COVID-19 curfew.
At the time, Cruz faced charges that included reckless driving and causing an accident that resulted in death. Prosecutors also sought to keep him in custody for three months.
However, a court eventually released him on a $34,000 bond.
Families allegedly received $66,000
ProPublica reported that Cruz allegedly hired businessman Santo Caraballo to help resolve the case.
Caraballo reportedly had connections within the baseball community. The investigation claims he helped facilitate payments to the victims’ relatives.
According to ProPublica, the families received roughly $66,000 in total.
One mother reportedly said Cruz’s mother contacted her after the funeral. She allegedly offered condolences before discussing a possible settlement.
The families later withdrew their claims against Cruz. However, some relatives reportedly said they did not understand that doing so could affect the criminal case.
Cruz’s case was eventually dismissed
Cruz appeared in court several times following the crash. During one hearing, the victims’ families were reportedly absent.
ProPublica also reported that evidence indicating Cruz had consumed alcohol before the crash did not appear in court.
Meanwhile, Cruz’s attorneys presented testimonials about his character. They also highlighted his status as one of baseball’s top international prospects.
During his third court appearance, the case was dismissed, according to ProPublica.
Cruz’s attorney, Amauris Vásquez Disla, described the crash as a profound tragedy. He also said the court made a legally binding decision that resolved the matter.
Pirates respond to new report
Cruz declined ProPublica’s request for an interview about the allegations.
The Pittsburgh Pirates also addressed the investigation. The team said Cruz and the organization dealt with the matter more than six years ago based on the information available at the time.
PEOPLE reported that it contacted Cruz’s attorney and the Pirates for additional comment on Sept. 12. Neither had immediately responded.
Cruz later made his MLB debut just 33 days after the case was dismissed.
He eventually became a full-time center fielder for the Pirates. Now, the new report has brought renewed attention to the crash and the legal case surrounding it.
Source: PEOPLE, ProPublica, ESPN
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