Florida Developer Collapses in Court During Trial for Boating Accident
A Florida real estate developer facing trial for a boating accident that tragically took the life of a teenage girl collapsed in court, prompting the judge to dismiss the jury and criticize the defendant.
George Pino, aged 54, broke down in tears and exhibited shaking and sobbing just over an hour into his murder trial concerning the death of 17-year-old Luciana “Lucy” Fernandez. Reports indicated that the emotional language used during the opening statements led Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez to call off the proceedings for the day.
“Mr. Pino will need to learn to control himself,” the judge remarked, siding with prosecutor Laura Adams, who described Pino’s emotional display as “inappropriate.” She emphasized the need for a composed atmosphere in the courtroom, adding, “It is simply not appropriate for a jury to witness emotional behavior.”
Pino seemed to struggle with his emotions following Adams’ statement, becoming visibly upset during the defense attorney Howard Srebnick’s remarks. Srebnick expressed concern for his client’s well-being but stepped outside in an attempt to help Pino regain his composure.
“I don’t think his condition is good,” Srebnick noted.
Pino received medical attention from Miami Fire Rescue before the judge decided to adjourn the day’s proceedings.
This well-known real estate broker from Doral is charged with second-degree manslaughter and vehicular homicide related to a 2022 boating incident that claimed Fernandez’s life and left another teen, Caterina Puig, with serious, long-lasting injuries.
On September 4, 2022, Pino and his wife Cecilia were aboard their 80-foot boat, picking up teenage girls to celebrate their daughter Carolina’s 18th birthday when the accident occurred in Biscayne Bay.
While navigating back to the dock, Pino turned around to check on the passengers, which resulted in the boat colliding with a navigational marker at a speed of around 80 mph. This impact caused a substantial hole in the side of the boat, sending everyone onboard into the water.
Eleven individuals sustained injuries, with six requiring hospitalization, where Fernandez ultimately passed away.
Although Pino did not take a breathalyzer test, numerous empty alcohol bottles, including champagne, were found on the boat when it was retrieved from the accident site the following day. He faces accusations of misleading law enforcement about the accident and neglecting to follow mandatory boating regulations.
In her statements, Adams argued that Pino crafted a false narrative surrounding the incident, evading accountability and maintaining this deception since that tragic day. She contended that the evidence would demonstrate that this was not merely an accident or a momentary lapse in judgment, but a failure to adhere to the most basic boating guidelines, which directly led to Lucy’s death.
Pino’s attorney contended that his client’s wife would testify to Pino’s sobriety and assert that the event was an unfortunate accident. Srebnick stated, “The state recognizes that George did not intend for this to happen. He did not mean to hit the marker or cause harm to anyone.” He also highlighted the presence of Pino’s family on board, assuring that Mrs. Pino would affirm her husband’s lack of impairment, asserting that she would not have put their lives at risk.
Opening statements are set to resume on Tuesday morning.
