Boat driver on trial for deadly crash becomes emotional during opening statements
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Key Points:
- George Pino, a South Florida real estate broker, faces manslaughter and vessel homicide charges after a 2022 boat crash that killed 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and injured others on board.
- Pino became emotional during opening statements, prompting a court recess; his defense attorney argued Pino did not intend to cause harm and suffered a concussion during the crash.
- Prosecutors allege Pino was negligent, driving under the influence with teenagers aboard and crashing into a channel marker while on the wrong side, despite no evidence of another boat causing the incident.
- Fernandez's father testified about the chaotic aftermath and his daughter's critical condition before she died, describing the experience as a parent's worst nightmare.
- The trial is expected to last about two weeks, with Pino facing potentially decades in prison if convicted.