Trial Set for Nightclub Owners After Deadly Collapse of 236

WHO:

Newser - Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, sibling owners of the Jet Set nightclub.

ABC News World - Owners of the Santo Domingo nightclub.

WHAT:

Newser - The Espaillat siblings will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter.

Newser - A roof collapse at the nightclub resulted in the deaths of 236 people and injuries to more than 100 individuals.

Newser - The Espaillats could face up to two years in prison if found guilty.

Newser - Victims' relatives expressed frustration over the ruling, hoping for homicide charges that carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

WHERE:

Newser - The incident occurred at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Newser - The ruling was made by Magistrate Reymundo Mejía Zorrilla of the First Court of Instruction of the National District in Santo Domingo.

WHEN:

Newser - The roof collapse occurred on April 8, 2025.

Newser - No date has been set for the trial.

WHY:

Newser - The ruling stated that the case did not warrant a homicide charge because it could not be proven that the defendants knew their negligence would cause deaths.

HOW:

Newser - The ruling indicated that if the Espaillats could have foreseen the roof collapse, "logic and reason" suggest they would not have endangered their own lives along with those of the victims.

(UPDATED June 16, 2026 06:54 UTC)

Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, the sibling owners of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter following a tragic roof collapse that resulted in the deaths of 236 people and injuries to more than 100 others. The ruling, made by Magistrate Reymundo Mejía Zorrilla, stated that the case did not warrant homicide charges, as it could not be proven that the Espaillats knew their negligence would lead to such a disaster, and if they had foreseen the collapse, they would not have endangered their own lives. If found guilty, the Espaillats could face up to two years in prison, while victims' relatives are expressing frustration and hoping for more severe charges that could carry penalties of up to 20 years.