A millionaire property developer, George Pino, has been acquitted of second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide charges following a 2022 boat crash in Biscayne Bay that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and left her friend permanently disabled. The verdict was delivered Monday in Miami-Dade County court.
Prosecutor Laura Adams faced criticism for her courtroom demeanor during the trial. In her closing arguments, Adams directly addressed the jury, stating, "No one but this defendant captained that boat, no one but this defendant decided the speed [the boat] should travel, and no one but this defendant decided the direction of travel." She emphasized that Pino was solely responsible for the death of Lucy Fernandez, holding up a photo of the victim.
Tensions were also noted between Adams and Pino during the proceedings. On the fifth day of the trial, Adams admonished Pino for what she perceived as muttering comments to the jury. The judge intervened, calling for composure in the courtroom.
Adams' courtroom conduct drew criticism on social media, with some users describing her attitude as "disgusting" and calling for her dismissal.
The fatal incident occurred on September 4, 2022, when Pino's 29-foot boat struck a channel marker near Boca Chita Key. The boat was carrying his wife, daughter, and a group of teenage girls. Investigators stated that Pino was at the helm and told authorities that another vessel had created a large wake, leading him to turn to check on the passengers before the collision. The impact ejected passengers into the water and caused significant damage to the boat. Eleven of the 14 people on board sustained injuries, with six requiring hospitalization.
A medical examiner determined that Fernandez died from blunt force trauma and drowning. Katy Puig, who was 17 at the time of the crash, survived but suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting in permanent disabilities.
The prosecution alleged that Pino was intoxicated, a claim he denied, stating he had consumed only a small amount of beer. During the trial, Adams presented video footage of the teenagers dancing prior to the crash to illustrate the atmosphere on board.
After hearing testimony from survivors, first responders, medical experts, and family members, the six-person jury reached their not-guilty verdicts. Pino's attorney, Howard Srebnick, stated that the crash was an accident, not a crime, and that evidence showed Pino was not impaired, was not speeding, and participated in rescue efforts after sustaining a head injury. He expressed condolences to the Fernandez and Puig families.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle acknowledged the verdict, stating that her office had charged Pino based on evidence of reckless actions, though the jury ultimately disagreed. She noted that the verdict would not bring comfort to the families affected by the tragedy.
The Fernandez family, in a statement, expressed respect for the judicial process while disagreeing with the verdict. They emphasized that the case was about Lucy Fernandez and highlighted their efforts to address safety on the water and the enforcement of laws against reckless behavior. They added that Lucy's life and its impact would continue beyond the verdict.