Jury finds George Pino not guilty on all charges in connection to deadly 2022 boat crash

A jury has found the prominent real estate broker George Pino not guilty on all charges in connection to a deadly 2022 boat crash.

“We the jury find as follows, as to count two of the information, vessel homicide of Luciana Cristiana Fernandez, the defendant is not guilty,” said a jury member.

People in the courtroom gasped and Pino was seen crying after being declared not guilty.

The real estate broker was facing charges of second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide, with a possible $10,000 fine and prison time involved.

The jury decision came just under two hours after they began deliberating on Monday afternoon.

Closing arguments took place early Monday afternoon, where prosecutors argued that Pino should be held responsible for the crash, while the defense argued that the crash was a tragic accident.

Pino’s lawyer, Howard Srebnick shared his thoughts after the verdict.

“Today thankfully, he won’t be branded a criminal for what we all know was just an accident,” he said. “The truth was that George was not impaired, the truth was George was not acting recklessly, and thankfully it was the evidence that showed that.”

Prosecutor Laura Adams argued that Pino was recklessly piloting his boat with 12 teenage girls onboard. They were celebrating his daughter’s birthday when he crashed into a channel marker off Boca Chita Key in Biscayne Bay during Labor Day weekend in 2022.

“This is a case about responsibility and accountability,” said prosecutor Laura Adams during the trial.

The wreck killed 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and severely injured Katy Puig, now 21-years-old.

Puig’s family and loved ones were emotional as they left court.

Andy and Melissa Fernandez, Lucy’s parents, were seen rushing back to the courtroom after jurors reached a verdict, but avoided cameras after decision was announced.

Following the jury’s decision, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle released a statement reading in part:

“Sadly, I know that this verdict brings no comfort to the Fernandez and Puig families who forever must live with the tragedy of what happened. In a case like this, there are no winners or losers. Mr. Pino must live with what he did, while the Fernandez and Puig families will grapple with the consequences of his actions.”

In the statement, the state attorney said that Pino was charged with a crime because the office believed that he had committed one, and that while they disagree with the jury’s verdict, they accept it.

Srebnick hopes that the verdict can start the healing process.

“He’s deeply sorry for what happened. Let’s hope that over time those wounds can heal and that as a community we can come back together with love and kindness.” he said.