A former employee of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo testified Monday that the owners were fully aware of the roof's deterioration before it collapsed last year, killing 236 people. Gregory Adames gave evidence against siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, who are accused of involuntary manslaughter and involuntary assault and battery following the tragedy at the legendary venue.
"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 told the judge.
Attorneys representing the victims' families urged the court to upgrade the charges to voluntary manslaughter. "We hope that happens," said Jean Carlos Martínez Segura, who represents nine families. The potential prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter is up to 20 years, compared to two years for involuntary manslaughter.
The hearing is expected to continue Friday, with a judge eventually deciding whether there is sufficient evidence for a trial. Relatives of the victims have expressed frustration over delays and the slow pace of judicial proceedings.
Prosecutors have stated that hundreds of pieces of evidence implicate the Espaillats, who were arrested last June. Miguel Valerio, the siblings' attorney, told reporters after their arrests: "Nobody wanted that to happen."
Prosecutors also accused the Espaillats of attempting to intimidate or manipulate employees. Antonio Espaillat is a prominent businessman who owns upscale entertainment venues and dozens of local radio stations.
The collapse occurred on April 8, 2025, when hundreds of people, including many high-profile Dominicans, were at the nightclub for a concert. Among the deceased were singer Rubby Pérez, Nelsy Cruz (governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz), and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel. More than 100 people were injured, and rescuers worked around the clock to pull survivors from the rubble.
