George Pino, a Miami real estate developer, was acquitted on Monday of charges related to a tragic boating accident from September 2022 near Boca Chita Key in Biscayne Bay. This incident resulted in the death of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and left another teen, Katie Puig, with lasting disabilities.
The trial lasted eight days, filled with emotionally charged testimonies. Prosecutors claimed that Pino, 55, acted recklessly by crashing his boat into a channel marker during the Labor Day weekend, while the defense argued it was merely an accident.
After the verdict, lead defense attorney Howard Srebnick expressed gratitude for the jury’s thoughtful consideration. He reiterated that the crash was a devastating accident, not a crime, emphasizing that witnesses confirmed Pino was not impaired and took measures to assist passengers post-accident.
On the other side, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle expressed disappointment with the ruling but acknowledged the jury’s decision. She maintained that Pino’s actions in the waters that day were indeed reckless and constituted a crime under Florida law. Rundle also remarked that the verdict offered no comfort to Fernandez’s and Puig’s families, who must cope with the aftermath of that day.
The incident occurred during Pino’s daughter’s birthday celebration on their boat. Investigators recounted that Pino was navigating back to the dock when he collided with a channel marker. He explained that a wake from another boat had caught his attention, causing him to look back at the teens before crashing.
The accident led to significant injuries for several passengers. Eleven of the 14 on board were hurt, with six requiring hospitalization. Tragically, Fernandez did not survive her injuries, while Puig endured a traumatic brain injury that left her permanently disabled.
