June 9, 2026
Dominican justice has set a financial guarantee of eight million pesos against six individuals and legal entities involved in the case related to the death of Stephora Joseph, an 11-year-old Haitian schoolgirl who drowned during a school trip to Santiago. Judicial authorities cite several serious instances of negligence concerning the supervision and safety of the children present at the location.
The measure was ordered by investigating judge Joob García of the Santiago de los Caballeros court, as part of investigations opened after the tragedy that occurred on November 14, 2025, at the Hacienda Los Caballos recreational center.
According to preliminary findings of the Dominican public ministry, the girl was taking part in an educational activity organized by her school when she got into difficulty in a pool at the complex.
The investigation particularly targets the Leonardo Da Vinci Association, its president Eduardo Rafael Estévez Bretón, the academic director Freddy Núñez, as well as the company responsible for operating the Hacienda Los Caballos site.
