The criminal trial of George Pino, a South Florida real estate broker accused in a fatal 2022 boat crash near Boca Chita Key, officially moved forward on Friday, June 5, 2026, following the selection of a jury. The proceedings, which follow a multi-year legal process, are set to address charges of second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide stemming from an incident on September 4, 2022, that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and serious injuries to Katy Puig.
Opening statements in the trial are scheduled to begin on the afternoon of Monday, June 8, 2026. The selection process concluded with the seating of ten jurors and four alternates to hear the case against the defendant. According to court reports, Pino has maintained his innocence, characterizing the collision with a channel marker in Biscayne Bay as an accident rather than a criminal act.
Court Ruling on Evidence and Trial Schedule
The lead-up to the trial has been marked by procedural disputes regarding the discovery of evidence. On June 5, 2026, the presiding judge ruled that the defense had “willfully violated” a court order by failing to turn over evidence in a timely manner. Prosecutors had requested additional time to review a last-minute disclosure provided by a toxicologist, arguing that the late submission hindered their preparation. While the judge ruled in favor of the prosecution’s concerns, the court remained firm on the schedule, stating that the trial would commence as planned without further delays.
The legal challenges faced by the defendant include serious felony counts. Under Florida statutes, vessel homicide and manslaughter charges carry significant legal implications, and the case has drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the developer’s professional background. Throughout the pre-trial phase, the court denied multiple motions filed by the defense to dismiss the charges, clearing the way for a jury trial.
The Incident at Boca Chita Key
The charges center on a boating excursion that occurred on September 4, 2022. Investigators allege that the defendant was operating the vessel in a reckless manner when it struck a channel marker in Biscayne Bay. The impact caused the boat to crash, leading to the death of Lucy Fernandez and leaving others aboard, including Katy Puig, with serious injuries. The prosecution contends that the defendant’s conduct behind the wheel of the vessel directly contributed to the tragic outcome of what was intended to be a birthday outing.
The defense team continues to assert that the incident was not the result of criminal negligence. As the trial moves into the testimony phase, the jury will be tasked with weighing the evidence presented by both the state and the defense to determine if the defendant’s actions met the legal threshold for the charges of second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide.
Next Steps in the Proceedings
Following the conclusion of jury selection on Friday, the court is prepared to hear opening arguments starting Monday afternoon. The trial will continue through the coming days as both sides present their cases. Interested parties and the public can monitor local court records and official updates from the Miami-Dade judicial system for further developments as testimony begins.
This remains a developing case within the Florida court system. Readers are encouraged to check back for updates on the trial’s progress as the prosecution and defense present their evidence to the jury.