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real estate developer accused of involvement in a deadly boat crash has been released on bond after surrendering to authorities. George Pino was arraigned Thursday morning at a downtown Miami courthouse, where he pleaded not guilty to upgraded felony homicide charges. Pino's attorney, Howard Schrebnick, said his client will be processed and then released, with a trial set for next year.

    Pino's family members were present in the courtroom, including his wife, daughter, and niece Sofia Castellanos, who spoke on their behalf. Castellanos acknowledged the tragic loss of 17-year-old Luciana Fernandez and the debilitating injuries suffered by 19-year-old Katerina Puig, saying "we would do anything to bring Lucy back" if possible.

    The incident occurred in 2022 when Pino took a group of teens out on a boat to celebrate his daughter's 18th birthday. The boat crashed into a concrete channel marker, ejecting everyone on board. Although there were signs of partying on the boat, including liquor and beer, officers found that Pino was not impaired at the time.

    Prosecutors initially charged Pino with two counts of careless operation of a vessel causing death and serious bodily injury, but upgraded the charges after a new witness came forward claiming Pino was impaired. Pino's attorney maintains his client is innocent and hopes for the case to be dismissed.

    Pino spent four hours in jail before bonding out and will appear back in court on January 8. The families of Fernandez and Puig did not comment after the hearing, but their attorney expressed hope that the upgraded charges would lead to a more just outcome.