A father who organized a birthday party for his daughter and 12 friends that ended tragically on a boat has been acquitted by a jury today.
In September 4, 2022, George and Cecilia Pino held an 18th birthday celebration for their daughter on their boat, with several teenage girls who were close friends and classmates, including Lucy Fernandez.
As per investigators, George Pino was steering the family’s 29-foot boat back to the dock when it collided with a channel marker near Boca Chita Key. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported that Pino mentioned a passing vessel creating a large wake, causing him to turn and check on the girls, leading to the collision with the marker.
The impact caused a significant breach in the boat’s hull, throwing everyone on board into the water.
Six passengers were swiftly taken to the hospital, but unfortunately, one of his daughter’s friends, 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez, lost her life, while another sustained permanent injuries. Fernandez was trapped under the boat and succumbed to drowning-related injuries in the hospital around 12 hours later.
George Pino, aged 55, has been absolved of vessel homicide and manslaughter charges following the boat accident near Boca Chita Key.
Over a two-week trial period, the jury heard testimonies from over 20 witnesses, including Fernandez’s father, Andres, and Pino’s wife, Cecilia. The jury also viewed footage showing Fernandez and her friends enjoying themselves on the 29-foot vessel, highlighting the swift turn of events from a celebratory party marking Pino’s daughter’s 18th birthday to a tragic incident, as reported by NBC 6 South Florida.
Throughout the trial, Pino pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence. During the closing arguments, Pino became emotional as his defense contended that the crash was an unintended mishap.
Pino’s chief attorney, Howard Srebnick, released a statement expressing gratitude to the jurors for their thorough review of the evidence and reaching a fair decision. Srebnick reiterated that the events of September 4, 2022, were a tragic accident, not a crime, supported by testimonies from eyewitnesses confirming Pino’s sobriety and responsible actions post-accident.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle acknowledged the verdict, emphasizing the impact on all parties involved and the broader community, respecting the jury’s decision despite potential disagreements.
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