A Missouri woman, Danielle Bertothy, is at the center of a cross-jurisdictional investigation after a fire destroyed multiple businesses in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, on January 2, 2025.
Bertothy, an account manager with the St. Louis—and Chicago-based agency HLK (Hughes, Leahy, Karlovic), is accused of setting the blaze that devastated three local establishments—Bar Marea, Marinera, and Artesanías Juavia—and partially damaged Luichy’s Seaside Hotel. The agency suspended Bertothy on January 4 after learning of the incident.
The Events Leading to the Fire
Witnesses recount that the incident stemmed from an altercation at Bar Marea on the evening of January 1. Bertothy, reportedly intoxicated, was refused further service after consuming two shots. The bar staff called police, who escorted her back to her nearby Airbnb. However, Bertothy allegedly returned later, prompting a second police intervention. This time, officers stayed at the bar until it closed to ensure no further issues arose.
Just hours after the police departed, the businesses were engulfed in flames around 2 a.m. Bertothy reportedly left the Airbnb at approximately 5 a.m. on January 2, cutting her stay short by over a week.
Below is surveillance footage, put together by a YouTube user named Mavakaga, of a woman who appears to be Bertothy in a heated exchange with the bar’s owners and walking by later with what looks like a red gasoline can which was provided by the airbnb. Watch below. Please be advised there are some disturbing images and language:
The Aftermath
The fires caused significant financial and emotional damage, with an estimated $500,000 in losses and around 15 employees directly impacted. The destroyed businesses were integral to the local community, and efforts to rebuild are underway through fundraising campaigns.
On January 3, St. Louis Alderman Daniela Velázquez sent the HLK leadership team a letter asking them to cooperate with Puerto Rican officials. “As a company rooted in St. Louis with a reputation for its commitment to diversity and community impact I trust you will view this situation with the necessary seriousness it requires.”
Velázquez thanked the agency for their response in a Facebook post.
HLK released a statement on Facebook expressing shock and outrage, confirming her suspension pending further investigation. “We were shocked to learn about the events in Puerto Rico. We have not 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 the named individual on suspension immediately pending further information. We are outraged by the senseless act and hope the authorities can address it in a timely fashion,” the agency stated.
Federal Involvement and Current Status
Federal agents, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), detained Bertothy at her St. Louis residence for questioning. A search of her home followed, but no formal charges have been filed at this time. Missouri authorities have confirmed collaboration with Puerto Rican officials regarding the case.
Residents of the St. Louis neighborhood expressed shock at the developments. Kelley Anne, a neighbor who captured footage of Bertothy’s detainment, described the event as surreal. “She seemed quiet, but the footage and what happened make this case significant,” she said.
Community and Legal Implications
This incident has sparked broader conversations about the impact of tourism and short-term rentals on Puerto Rican communities. Gentrification, resource strain, and local displacement have been highlighted as underlying issues exacerbated by incidents like these.
The Puerto Rico Police Department continues its investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, residents and business owners in Cabo Rojo are working to recover from the destruction, with a focus on restoring their community.
Luichy’s Seaside Hotel has launched a GoFundMe to help with the repairs. “My name is Angel Luis Marrero, I am the owner of Luichy’s Seaside Hotel located at Playa El Combate in Cabo Rojo, PR. On the night of January 2 2025, a lady put on fire part of the facilities of our hotel and the business located at the first level. Currently due to our location and proximity to the beach, the property insurances are extremely and very difficult to obtain, currently, we only have public responsibility insurance.” The link to help is here.
Reel 360 News has reached out to HLK leadership. This story is developing.
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