Judge Allows George Pino’s Statements About Mystery Boat in Fatal Biscayne Bay Crash Trial

Judge Allows George Pino’s Statements About Mystery Boat in Fatal Biscayne Bay Crash Trial

In a pivotal ruling on Monday, a Miami-Dade judge decided that statements made by Doral real estate broker George Pino to investigators—including his claim that another boat caused the 2022 Biscayne Bay crash that killed a teenager—can be presented at his upcoming trial. The decision came as jury selection began in the case that has drawn widespread attention.

The Crash and Charges

On September 4, 2022, Pino, 54, was operating a 29-foot Robalo vessel when it slammed into a steel channel marker in Biscayne Bay. The impact killed Luciana “Lucy” Fernandez, 17, and left Katerina “Katy” Puig, now 21, with severe physical and neurological disabilities. Pino is charged with manslaughter and vessel homicide.

From the beginning, Pino’s defense has rested on the theory that an unidentified second boat threw a wake, forcing him to veer into the marker. However, no other witnesses or evidence have corroborated the existence of that second vessel.

Defense Argues Head Injury Created False Memory

Last week, Pino’s attorneys filed a motion arguing that the statements about the other boat should be excluded from trial. They claimed that Pino suffered a head injury in the crash and may have developed a false memory of the events. «I think that’s why the defense hired [the doctor]. To say that the statements he gave were caused by amnesia or false memories without the intent to deceive,» prosecutor Laura Adams told Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez.

But Adams countered that it could just as easily be that the defendant was «looking for excuses for why he smashed into that steel pole in the middle of the bay.»

No Plea Agreement in Sight

During the hearing, Adams revealed that the state had not extended a plea offer to Pino—and that Pino’s own proposals were unacceptable. Pino offered to plead no contest to the felony charges, admitting no guilt, in exchange for no jail time and the right to appeal. He also offered to plead down to a misdemeanor. «Our ears are open, and our minds are open if there’s anything the defense wishes to convey,» Adams said.

Motion to Dismiss Denied

The defense also sought to dismiss all charges, arguing that aside from the allegation of alcohol consumption, there were no factual disputes. Lead attorney Howard Srebnick noted that while Pino told an investigator he had «two beers,» the investigator and other witnesses stated Pino did not appear impaired. «They have no evidence that his faculties were impaired,» Srebnick said.

Adams responded that even a small amount of alcohol could have contributed to recklessness, especially with 12 minors on board. The judge denied the motion.

Ruling on Statements

Judge Tinkler Mendez ruled that Pino’s statements to FWC Lieutenant William Thompson, including those about the second boat and the two beers, are admissible. Some statements were spontaneous and not made while in custody. Others were initially protected under Florida’s accident-report privilege, but Pino waived that privilege in sworn written statements during a related civil lawsuit brought by Puig’s parents. «Once he responded to the attorneys … in the civil case, he was no longer protected by the accident privilege,» the judge said.

The trial is set to proceed as the community awaits justice for the victims and their families.