The Second Court of Instruction of the judicial district of Santiago decided to postpone the hearing on new coercive measures against several individuals involved in the death of the minor Stephora Anne-Mircie Joseph to May 28. This postponement aims to ensure that all those implicated can exercise their right to defense in full.
Details of the postponement of the new coercive measures
During the session of this Thursday, the court took the measure because some of the accused were not present, as they were outside the country. The request for new coercive measures comes from the lawyers of Stephora’s family, who lost their life drowned in a school outing organized by the Leonardo Da Vinci Institute. The incident occurred at Hacienda Los Caballos, in the Gurabo sector, north of Santiago.
Individuals involved in the request for new coercive measures
- Eduardo Rafael Estévez Bretón, president of the Leonardo Da Vinci Association.
- Fredy Núñez, academic director of the educational center.
- Julio César Muñoz, Víctor Manuel Muñoz and Dominga Blanco Muñoz, related to the hacienda.
These names appear in the petition to strengthen the judicial restrictions. The Public Ministry classifies the case as unintentional homicide, while the investigation advances to clarify responsibilities.
Antecedents and previous measures in the Stephora Joseph case
In previous stages, the court imposed a 500,000 peso economic guarantee through an insurance company, periodic presentation, and prohibition of exit from the country to Yris del Carmen Reyes Adames (administrative director), Francisca Josefina Tavares Vélez (counselor) and Vilma Altagracia Vargas Morel (secondary coordinator). Another person initially presented as director was released as it was not proven to be in an official role.
Security context in school outings
This tragic event highlights vulnerabilities in extracurricular activities. In the Dominican Republic, data from the Ministry of Education indicates that between 2020 and 2025, at least 15 fatal incidents were reported in excursions, many due to lack of supervision or inadequate emergency protocols. Experts in penal law emphasize that the new coercive measures seek to prevent escapes and ensure appearances, balancing defense rights with justice for the victim. Stephora’s family insists on total accountability, while the court prioritizes fair processes.
The postponement to May 28 allows for formal notifications. The new coercive measures could include preventive detention if procedural risks are proven. This case continues to mobilize attention due to its impact on the educational community of Santiago, demanding reforms in school security.
