Owners of Dominican nightclub Jet Set to face trial for deadly collapse

Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, the owners of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, are set to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter. The decision follows the devastating collapse of the establishment in April 2025, which resulted in 236 fatalities and left 180 people injured.

The Public Ministry requested the charge of involuntary manslaughter, while the plaintiffs advocated for a charge of voluntary manslaughter. Judge Raymundo Mejía of the First Court of Instruction of the National District issued the ruling on Monday. He also upheld existing coercive measures against the defendants, including financial guarantees, periodic appearances, and a travel ban. Additionally, a precautionary measure was imposed to freeze assets up to approximately $8.3 million.

The Movimiento Justicia Jet Set, an organization representing survivors and victims' families, expressed respect for the judicial decisions but deemed the current stage insufficient. While the judge cited a lack of intent to cause the tragedy, the movement questioned this, arguing that eventual intent in voluntary manslaughter does not require direct intent to kill. Alcides Acosta, who lost a brother and sister-in-law, called the ruling "biased" and vowed to continue the fight.

According to the Public Ministry's investigation, Jet Set operated for years with severe negligence in structural maintenance, endangering patrons and staff. The tragedy occurred during a performance by merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who also perished in the collapse. Notable victims included former baseball player Otavio Dotel, designer Martín Polanco, and the son of former Senate President Eduardo Estrella, alongside individuals from Venezuela, France, Haiti, Colombia, Italy, and Kenya.