A Miami-Dade judge has set a preliminary trial date for George Pino, a prominent South Florida real estate broker charged with felony vessel homicide in connection to a tragic boat crash that claimed the life of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and seriously injured her classmate Katy Puig. The trial is scheduled to begin on July 14, with both prosecution and defense agreeing to a two-week trial period.
Pino, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge, is accused of operating his boat negligently, resulting in a collision with a channel marker in Biscayne Bay in September 2022. The crash occurred during a boating trip involving multiple passengers, many of them teenagers from a local Catholic school community. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendant and the devastating impact on the victims and their families.
Prosecutor Laura Adams has indicated that she plans to call no more than 15 witnesses during the trial, a reduction from the initial list of approximately 50 potential witnesses. This list includes passengers who were on the boat during the crash, first responders, and experts in maritime safety. Adams stated that the evidence will focus on establishing Pino’s responsibility for the fatal accident and his alleged negligence in navigating the vessel.
Pino’s defense team has expressed concerns about the prosecution’s handling of the case, citing the large number of initial witnesses as a challenge to the defense’s preparation. Pino’s attorney has also emphasized his client’s cooperation with the investigation and reiterated Pino’s plea of not guilty. The defense is expected to argue that external factors, such as environmental conditions, may have contributed to the crash.
The charge of felony vessel homicide carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if Pino is convicted. The case has become a focal point for discussions about boating safety in South Florida, where recreational boating is a popular activity but also a frequent source of accidents. Advocates have called for stricter regulations and enhanced safety training to prevent future tragedies.
The families of the victims have been vocal about their grief and the need for justice. Lucy Fernandez’s parents have described their daughter as a bright and compassionate individual who was deeply loved by her community. Katy Puig, who survived the crash but sustained serious injuries, continues to recover and has been a source of strength for her classmates and friends.
As the trial date approaches, the case remains a poignant reminder of the potential dangers of boating and the lasting impact of such tragedies on victims, their families, and the wider community.
