Jet Set nightclub owners face trial for involuntary manslaughter following collapse that killed 236
A judge in Santo Domingo ordered the owners of Jet Set club to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter. The collapse on 8 April 2025 left 236 dead.
Espaillat brothers to be tried for Jet Set collapse
A judge in Santo Domingo determined on Monday that the Espaillat brothers, owners of Jet Set nightclub, will face trial for involuntary manslaughter, according to eluniversal.com.mx. The collapse of the establishment's roof, which occurred on 8 April 2025, claimed the lives of 236 people and left more than 100 wounded.
Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, owners of the well-known capital nightclub, could face up to two years in prison if found guilty of the charges brought against them.
The ruling of magistrate Mejía Zorrilla
Magistrate Reymundo Mejía Zorrilla, of the First Court of Instruction of the National District, dismissed the charge of wilful homicide, which would have carried sentences of up to 20 years in prison. The ruling established that this charge would require proving that the accused knew their negligence would cause deaths. The decision added that, had they been able to foresee the collapse, "logic and reason" would indicate they would not have put their own lives at risk.
The decision generated frustration among families of the victims, who had expected more serious charges. Around 30 relatives gathered at the courthouse before the hearing, holding hands and in prayer.
A powerful businessman in the dock
Prosecutors have previously indicated that the Espaillats attempted to intimidate or manipulate employees. Antonio Espaillat is described as an influential businessman, owner of high-profile entertainment venues and dozens of radio stations across the country. The Public Ministry maintains that it has hundreds of pieces of evidence linking the brothers to the causes of the collapse.
Both will be tried in a single proceeding. No trial date has been set so far.
Public figures among the victims
On the night of the collapse, hundreds of people were attending a concert by singer Rubby Pérez, who died as a result of the disaster. Also present was Octavio Dotel, a former Major League pitcher, who was rescued alive from the rubble but died later in a hospital. Athletes and politicians were likewise among those affected by the disaster.
The collapse of Jet Set shook the Dominican Republic and authorities worked for days to rescue people trapped beneath the wreckage.
Source: Google News DO — Crime