Key facts
- George Pino, CEO of State Street Realty, was acquitted of felony manslaughter and vessel homicide charges.
- The charges stemmed from a 2022 boat crash that killed 17-year-old Luciana Fernandez and severely injured Katerina Puig.
- Pino was driving a 29-foot boat at nearly 50 mph when it collided with a mile marker, ejecting 14 passengers.
- Investigators found 61 empty alcohol bottles and cans on the boat.
- Pino denied being impaired or speeding and was not given a sobriety test at the scene.
- Prosecutors upgraded charges based on new witness statements regarding intoxication and time to avoid the collision.
A Miami jury acquitted George Pino, CEO of Doral-based State Street Realty, of felony manslaughter and vessel homicide charges on Monday, concluding a two-week trial. The charges stemmed from a September 4, 2022, boating collision that killed 17-year-old Luciana Fernandez and left her classmate, Katerina Puig, permanently disabled. Pino was driving a 29-foot boat at nearly 50 mph when it struck a concrete mile marker near Boca Chita Key, ejecting its 14 passengers.
Investigators discovered 61 empty alcohol bottles and cans on the boat. Pino, who denied being impaired or speeding, stated he had consumed two beers and was not given a sobriety test. The prosecution argued Pino had sufficient time to avoid the collision and upgraded charges based on new witness statements regarding intoxication. The defense contended the incident was a tragic accident, not a crime, citing eyewitness testimony that Pino was not impaired and assisted in rescue efforts.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle acknowledged the tragedy for the victims' families, stating there were no winners. Pino's attorney, Howard Srebnick, expressed condolences for the victims and hoped the verdict would allow for healing.