Santo Domingo, up to 20 years in prison for the owners of the Jet Set nightclub
Quick Look
- The owners of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo face up to 20 years in prison after the court upgraded the charge from involuntary manslaughter to murder with possible intent for the roof collapse on April 8, 2025, which caused 236 deaths, including singer Rubby Pérez.
- The judges say the Espaillat brothers were aware of the danger but kept the place open.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed on 8 April 2025 during a concert by singer Rubby Pérez, causing the death of 236 people. Owners Antonio and Maribel Espaillat were initially charged with involuntary manslaughter and arrested in 2025, then released on bail of approximately $842,000.
The owners of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo risk up to 20 years in prison for the collapse of the club's roof, which occurred on 8 April 2025 during a concert by singer Rubby Pérez, who died in the tragedy along with 235 other people. This was reported by the Dominican newspaper Listín Diario. The court reclassified the accusation against Antonio Espaillat, owner of the restaurant, and his sister Maribel, administrator, from involuntary homicide to homicide with possible malice.
According to the judges, the two were fully aware of the deterioration of the structure and had received reliable documents and warnings about the danger posed by the roof, but they had nevertheless kept the place open to the public. For the prosecutor's office, the tragedy was avoidable. The Espaillat brothers, indicted in June, were arrested in 2025 and later released on bail, set at approximately $842,000. Changing the charge will result in the trial being restarted before a new court. The request was made by the Justicia Jet Set movement, which represents the victims and their families.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The trial will resume before a new court on charges of murder with possible intent
Very likely · Within weeks
The Espaillat brothers could be returned to preventive custody
Possible · Within days
Open Questions
- What were the specific contents of the documents and warnings received by the Espaillat brothers regarding the state of the roof?
- When will the trial resume in the new court after the prosecution has been reclassified?
- What will be the compensation requests made by the civil parties represented by Justicia Jet Set?
