MIAMI – In a shocking turn of events, George Pino, a well-known real estate broker, has surrendered to authorities following his involvement in a tragic boat crash that claimed the life of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez during the 2022 Labor Day weekend. Pino appeared in court on Thursday morning, facing a serious felony vessel homicide charge that could land him behind bars for a minimum of 15 years, with a maximum sentence of 30 years looming over him.
The catastrophic incident unfolded on September 4, 2022, when Pino was piloting a 29-foot vessel filled with teenage girls celebrating a birthday party. As the boat made its way back to the dock, it collided with a channel marker near Boca Chita Key, sending all 14 passengers tumbling into the water. The collision resulted in severe injuries to 11 individuals, with Fernandez tragically succumbing to her injuries later at the hospital. Another girl, Katy Puig, suffered a traumatic brain injury, amplifying the heart-wrenching consequences of the crash.
Details of the Incident
Investigators revealed that Pino had been distracted by a passing boat's wake when he lost control. Eyewitness accounts and new testimony have strengthened the case against him, leading to the felony charge after initial misdemeanor charges were dropped. Notably, Pino was not subjected to a sobriety test at the scene, despite admitting to having consumed "two beers." However, a shocking discovery of 61 empty alcohol bottles, including champagne, was made when the boat was recovered the following day, raising serious questions about the role of alcohol in the incident.
Pino's attorney, Howard Srebnick, expressed dismay over the late filing of the felony charge, insisting that Pino was not intoxicated and had acted heroically during the rescue efforts. Meanwhile, the Fernandez family's attorney, Joel Denaro, emphasized that this day marks a significant step toward closure for the families affected by this devastating tragedy.
Details zur Meldung
