Miami real estate developer George Pino was acquitted regarding a 2022 boat crash off Boca Chita Key, Biscayne Bay. The incident resulted in the death of a teenager and another suffering permanent disabilities.
The verdict was delivered on Monday, exonerating Pino, 55, who faced charges of second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide. Lucy Fernandez, 17, died, and another teen, Katy Puig, now 21, sustained life-altering injuries, according to NBC 6. The acquittal followed an intense eight-day trial in South Florida.
Prosecutors argued Pino acted recklessly when his boat struck a channel marker during Labor Day weekend. The defense claimed the incident was an accident.
“We are grateful to the jurors for their careful consideration of the evidence and for reaching a just verdict,” said lead defense attorney Howard Srebnick. He emphasized that eyewitness testimonies showed Pino was neither impaired nor reckless and tried to protect his passengers.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle expressed disappointment but accepted the jury’s decision. She voiced the belief that Pino’s actions constituted a criminal offense under Florida law. She acknowledged the tragedy felt by the Fernandez and Puig families, adding that in cases like this, there are no winners or losers.
On September 4, 2022, Pino hosted a birthday event on his family’s 29-foot boat. The crash occurred as they returned to the dock, allegedly due to a large wake from another passing vessel. Pino stated he checked on the teens after the wake, leading to the collision.
The impact ejected all passengers into the water, creating a significant breach in the boat’s side. Of the 14 passengers, 11 suffered injuries with six needing hospitalization. Fernandez succumbed to her injuries, and Puig endured a traumatic brain injury, causing lifelong disabilities.