Espaillat siblings face trial for Jet Set nightclub collapse

The trial for Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, owners of the Jet Set nightclub, is set to begin in the Fourth Criminal Chamber of the National District. The siblings face charges of involuntary manslaughter following a ceiling collapse at the establishment that resulted in 236 deaths and over 180 injuries. The tragedy occurred during a musical performance by merenguero Rubby Pérez, who was among the deceased.

The prosecution's case includes a 156-page file featuring 84 witnesses and various documentary and material evidence. In addition to the owners, several companies and individuals have been named as civilly liable third parties. The Espaillat siblings are currently under judicial measures including a RD$50 million economic guarantee, periodic reporting requirements, and a travel ban.

In anticipation of the proceedings, the Movimiento Justicia Jet Set has organized a vigil outside the Palace of Justice in Ciudad Nueva. Family members of the victims are calling for a justice process that is proportional to the loss suffered, requesting that participants wear black and carry photographs of the deceased to honor their memory.