The communicator Jhossan Capell was reported to the National District Prosecutor’s Office after slapping Mr. José Luis Custodio, father of one of the victims of the tragic incident.
The complaint, registered under the number 11001-2026-001821, was deposited in the Department of Citizen Service System. In it, Capell is accused of violating article 309 of the Dominican Penal Code, which typifies physical aggression, blows and wounds.
The incident occurred at the Ciudad Nueva Courthouse, while Capell offered statements to the press in defense of the owners of the nightclub, the brothers Antonio and Maribel Espaillat. The communicator highlighted the trajectory of the businessmen, stating that they “have helped many people.”
At that moment, he was interrupted by José Luis Custodio, who, visibly affected by the process, contradicted the communicator by shouting the adjective “murderer” in reference to the accused. Capell’s reaction was immediate and violent: in front of the cameras and those present, he slapped Mr. Custodio.
In the midst of the situation, Judicial Protection agents intervened to prevent the conflict from escalating, proceeding to remove Capell for security measures.
He lawyer Yan Carlos Martínezlegal representative of the Custodio family, described the action as unacceptable and announced that they would file the complaint as a civil plaintiff.
“We will not allow that, in addition to the pain of losing a loved one, victims have to endure physical attacks from those who try to defend the indefensible,” said the jurist.
After the video that captured the exact moment of the attack went viral, Jhossan Capell offered a public apology through its communication channels. However, the complainant has indicated that the apology will not stop the legal process against him, alleging that the physical and moral damage has already been caused.
