New Tribunal Assigned for Jet Set Trial After Charge Reclassification

The Primer Tribunal Colegiado del Distrito Nacional, presided over by Judge Esmirna Gisselle Méndez, has been assigned to hear the new trial against Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, owners of the Jet Set nightclub, following a reclassification of charges from involuntary manslaughter to voluntary homicide with eventual intent. The decision comes after Judge Franny González Castillo of the Fourth Penal Chamber accepted the prosecution's request to modify the legal classification on October 16, citing that the evidence presented supports the theory that the tragedy could have been prevented Source: Diario Libre.

The Reclassification

Judge González Castillo determined that the new charge, which carries a potential sentence of 3 to 20 years in prison, exceeds the material competence of his court, necessitating a transfer to a collegiate tribunal Source: Diario Libre. The change from involuntary to voluntary homicide with eventual intent marks a significant shift in the legal proceedings against the Espaillat siblings.

What Happened

The case stems from the collapse of the Jet Set nightclub's roof on April 8, 2025, which resulted in 236 fatalities and over a hundred injuries Source: Hoy; Source: Diario Libre. The new tribunal is expected to set a date for the first hearing in the coming days Source: Diario Libre.

Key Points

• The First Collegiate Tribunal will be composed of Judge Méndez, Judge Emely Milagros Bruno, and a yet-to-be-named third judge Source: Diario Libre.
• Attorney Félix Portes confirmed that the court will soon summon the parties and schedule the hearing Source: El Día; Source: Hoy.
• The case was randomly assigned to the tribunal after Judge González Castillo declined jurisdiction Source: Diario Libre.