SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The owners of the Jet Set nightclub where a fatal roof collapse killed 236 people and injured over 100 last year will face trial on charges of involuntary manslaughter, a judge ruled Monday. Siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, who own the nightclub in Santo Domingo, could face up to two years in prison if convicted.

The disaster occurred on April 8, 2025, when the club’s roof gave way during a concert by singer Rubby Pérez. The collapse trapped attendees beneath the debris, prompting a prolonged rescue effort. Among those killed were former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel and numerous politicians and athletes who were attending the event.

Magistrate Reymundo Mejía Zorrilla of the First Court of Instruction of the National District made the ruling, declining to upgrade the charges to homicide, which carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison. The decision met with dismay from victims’ family members, about 30 of whom gathered outside the courthouse prior to the hearing, holding hands and praying.

Prosecutors contend the Espaillats attempted to intimidate or influence employees connected to the nightclub. Antonio Espaillat is known in the Dominican Republic as a prominent business figure, with ownership stakes in upscale entertainment venues and numerous local radio stations. The Public Prosecutor’s Office claims to possess hundreds of pieces of evidence linking the siblings to the incident.

The trial will proceed with both Antonio and Maribel Espaillat tried jointly, though no trial date has yet been scheduled. The case continues to draw national attention due to the scale of the tragedy and the high-profile status of many victims.