Preliminary hearing in the Jet Set case postponed; debates continue and plaintiffs withdraw

Santo Domingo.– Judge Raymundo Mejía, of the First Instruction Court of the National District, postponed until next Monday, April 27, at 9:00 a.m., the continuation of the preliminary hearing against the owners of the Jet Set nightclub, Antonio Espaillat and Maribel Espaillat. Both are facing charges of involuntary manslaughter for the tragedy that occurred on April 8, 2025, when the collapse of the establishment's roof left 236 people dead and more than 180 injured. During the day on Monday, more than 20 plaintiffs decided to withdraw from the legal process against the accused. However, the Public Prosecutor's Office assured that this action does not weaken the accusation. Prosecutor Miguel Collado stated that the Public Prosecutor's Office will continue with the case until a final conviction is obtained. In the development of the hearing, debates also arose regarding the possible presentation of testimonial evidence. Several lawyers requested that the statement of Gregory Adames, considered a key witness, be heard, a request that was ultimately rejected by the court, according to his representative Plinio Piña.

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For her part, lawyer Ingrid Hidalgo requested protection measures for said witness, highlighting his relevance within the process. Adames, through his defense, expressed concern for his safety and warned that he holds the Espaillat brothers responsible if anything happens to him, although he assured that he has not received threats so far and that he remains calm.