[REVISION HISTORY]

Jet Set nightclub collapse legal proceedings

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2026-08-28 00:29 UTC → 2026-08-28 02:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following the April 2025 roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, which killed 236 people and injured over 100, legal proceedings have moved toward a formal trial. Owners Antonio Espaillat López and Maribel Espaillat de Beras face charges of involuntary homicide and negligence. In July 2026, authorities scheduled the first substantive hearing for late August. While a new Dominican penal code would allow for longer sentences, prosecutor Rosalba Ramos noted that the principle of non-retroactivity prevents the application of these harsher penalties to this case. By late August 2026, the trial was set to commence in the Fourth Criminal Chamber of the National District. The prosecution intends to present a 156-page file involving 84 witnesses. The Espaillat siblings remain under judicial measures, including a travel ban and an economic guarantee of RD$50 million. In response to the upcoming proceedings, the Movimiento Justicia Jet Set organized vigils, with victims' families requesting public demonstrations to honor the deceased. As of August 28, 2026, the trial is scheduled to begin under Judge Franny González. The proceedings will address the structural collapse that occurred during a performance by merenguero Rubby Pérez, who was among the deceased. The indictment also names several entities as civilly liable third parties, including Inversiones E y L, S. R. L., Difusora Hemisferio, S. R. L., and Radio Cadena Comercial, S. R. L. The court will evaluate documentary and material evidence to determine criminal responsibility for the tragedy, which resulted in 236 deaths and more than 180 injuries.

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