Florida real estate mogul George Pino found not guilty of killing Lucy Fernandez in 2022 boat crash

Key Points:

• Florida real estate mogul George Pino was found not guilty of felony second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide charges related to a 2022 boat crash that killed 17-year-old Luciana Fernandez and injured others.
• The jury deliberated for about two hours before acquitting Pino, who had been hosting a birthday party on his boat when it struck a channel marker at high speed in Biscayne Bay.
• Pino’s defense argued the crash was a tragic accident with witnesses confirming the speed was safe and no reckless behavior occurred, while the prosecution claimed Pino was recklessly speeding and prioritizing being a "cool dad" over passenger safety.
• Investigators found numerous alcohol containers on the boat, and the prosecution suggested Pino lied about his alcohol consumption and was negligent, but the jury ultimately sided with the defense.
• Pino’s attorney stated the verdict confirmed Pino was not impaired or reckless, emphasizing that the incident was a tragic accident and expressing condolences to the victims’ families.