March 16, 2026
The Dominican public prosecutor has ordered the arrest of four senior officials from the Leonardo Da Vinci College in connection with the investigation into the death of Stephora Joseph, who died on November 14, 2025 during a school outing. Those detained include the administrative director, the general coordinator, the guidance counselor and the head of secondary education, all accused of involuntary homicide.
Authorities blame them for a series of serious negligence committed during the educational activity that cost the schoolgirl her life. According to the case file, safety conditions were insufficient, and all obligations of caution were ignored.
Initial findings reveal that 87 students were taken on the trip with only three chaperones, with no lifesaving equipment and no prior notification to parents about the presence of aquatic activities. No checks were made to determine whether the children could swim or whether the site posed particular risks.
Facing criticism over the initial handling of the case, Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso assigned the case to specialized magistrates. Deputy Prosecutor Wilson Camacho and Prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías now oversee matters involving minors and institutional responsibility.
As the investigation progresses, Stephora’s mother remains in deep distress since November 14. Still in shock, she relives the moment she learned of her daughter’s death and clings to daily routines that are now only painful memories.
