Antonio Espaillat, center, the owner of the Jet Set nightclub, whose roof collapse in 2025 resulted in fatalities, arrives at court for trial in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Monday, April 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernandez)
RESANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — A former employee of a popular nightclub whose roof collapsed a year ago and killed 236 people told a judge Monday that the owners were fully aware the structure was deteriorated.
Gregory Adames testified against siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, who are accused of involuntary manslaughter and involuntary assault and battery following the collapse at the legendary Jet Set club in Santo Domingo.
“They knew because I sent them photos, I sent them videos of all the problems that were there. That shouldn’t have happened; not a single person should have died there,†Adames said.
Attorneys for the victim’s families asked in court for the siblings to be accused of voluntary manslaughter.
“We hope that happens,†Jean Carlos MartÃnez Segura, who represents nine families, told The Associated Press.
The potential prison sentence is up to 20 years for voluntary manslaughter but is two years for involuntary manslaughter.
Monday’s court hearing is expected to continue Friday, with a judge eventually deciding whether there’s enough evidence to hold a trial. have complained about delays and slow judicial proceedings.
Prosecutors have said hundreds of pieces of evidence implicate the siblings, who last June.
Miguel Valerio, the Espaillats’ attorney, told reporters after their arrests: “Nobody wanted that to happen.â€
Prosecutors have accused the Espaillats of trying to intimidate or manipulate employees. Antonio Espaillat is considered a powerful businessman who owns upscale entertainment centers and dozens of local radio stations.
Hundreds of people including many high-profile Dominicans were at the nightclub for a concert on April 8, 2025, when the roof collapsed. Those who died included ; Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz; and former MLB pitcher . More than 100 people were injured in the collapse and rescuers to pull out survivors.
The Associated Press
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Tax: | |
| Today's total: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
