FILE - Antonio Espaillat, center, the owner of the Jet Set nightclub, whose roof collapse in 2025 resulted in fatalities, arrives at court for trial in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, April 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernandez, File)

By The Canadian Press

Owners of Dominican club where 236 died in a collapse to stand trial

Jun 15, 2026 | 10:17 AM

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — The sibling owners of the Santo Domingo nightclub where a roof collapse killed 236 people and injured more than 100 last year will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter, a judge ruled Monday.

Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, the owners of Jet Set nightclub, could face up to 2 years in prison if found guilty.

The April 8, 2025 collapse reverberated across the Dominican Republic, with authorities working frantically for days to reach people under the rubble.

The ruling Monday by Magistrate Reymundo Mejía Zorrilla of the First Court of Instruction of the National District in Santo Domingo drew frustration from victims’ relatives who were hoping for homicide charges that carry stiffer penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

The ruling said that the case did not warrant a homicide charge because that would indicate the defendants knew that their negligence would cause the deaths of the victims. But if they could have foreseen the roof collapse, “logic and reason” suggest they would not have endangered their own lives in addition to those of the victims, the ruling said.

play ball

Saskatoon Berries camp returns to Meadow Lake to inspire next generation of ballplayers

9m ago

LUCK IN UNITY

Saskatchewan's newest millionaire claims $1.9M jackpot

53m ago

summer fun

Meadow Lake invites residents to play tourist with Passport to Play

2h ago

About 30 relatives of the victims had gathered at the courthouse ahead of the hearing, holding hands and praying.

Prosecutors have previously accused the Espaillats of trying to intimidate or manipulate employees. Antonio Espaillat is considered a powerful business person, owning upscale entertainment centers and dozens of local radio stations. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has asserted that it has hundreds of pieces of evidence tying the siblings to the collapse.

Hundreds of people including athletes and politicians were at Jet Set when the roof collapsed, attending a concert by singer Rubby Pérez, who was among the victims. Others included former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, who was pulled from the debris but died in a hospital.

The Espaillats will be tried together. No date has been set for the trial.

Martín Adames, The Associated Press

by The Canadian Press

Owners of Dominican club where 236 died in a collapse to stand trial

What's Trending