Florida Man Found Not Guilty in Fatal Biscayne Bay Boat Crash
A Florida jury has acquitted real estate broker George Pino of manslaughter and vessel homicide charges related to a tragic 2022 boating accident that resulted in the death of a teenage girl and severe injuries to another passenger.
The verdict came after an emotional trial in Miami-Dade County, bringing a legal conclusion to a case that has deeply affected multiple families and the local community.
2022 Crash Killed One Teen and Injured Several Others
The incident occurred during Labor Day weekend in September 2022 while Pino was hosting a birthday celebration for his daughter aboard his 29-foot boat in Biscayne Bay.
Authorities said the vessel struck a channel marker in the Cutter Bank channel, throwing all 14 occupants into the water. Seventeen-year-old Luciana Fernandez later died from her injuries. Another passenger, Katerina Puig, suffered catastrophic injuries that left her permanently disabled and requiring ongoing medical care.
Prosecutors argued that Pino had been operating the boat recklessly and traveling on the wrong side of the channel before the collision.
Defense Maintained Crash Was a Tragic Accident
Throughout the trial, Pino’s defense team insisted that the crash was a devastating accident rather than a criminal act. They argued there was no evidence that he intended to endanger anyone and maintained that he was neither impaired nor speeding at the time of the collision.
According to the defense, Pino also participated in rescue efforts after suffering a traumatic brain injury during the crash.
After approximately two hours of deliberations, jurors returned not guilty verdicts on both charges.
Families Continue to Grieve After Verdict
Following the decision, prosecutors acknowledged the jury’s verdict while expressing sympathy for the families affected by the tragedy. Relatives of the victims said the ruling offered little comfort as they continue to cope with the lasting consequences of the accident.
Meanwhile, a separate civil lawsuit connected to the injuries suffered by Katerina Puig remains pending.
