United StatesCulture6 days ago

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

The sibling owners of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where a roof collapse killed 236 people and injured over 100, will face trial for involuntary manslaughter. Antonio and Maribel Espaillat could receive up to two years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege they attempted to intimidate or manipulate employees and have presented extensive evidence linking them to the disaster. The incident occurred during a concert by singer Rubby Pérez, attended by numerous celebrities and public figures.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — 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.

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.

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The Washington TimesIndependentCenter6 days ago

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

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