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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 felony homicide charges. His attorney, Howard Schrebnick, said Pino will be processed and then released, with a trial scheduled for next year.

    Pino's niece, Sofia Castellanos, spoke on behalf of the family during the arraignment, expressing their grief and remorse over the tragedy that occurred in 2022. The crash killed 17-year-old Luciana Fernandez and left 19-year-old Katerina Puig permanently disabled.

    According to investigators, Pino was driving the boat when it hit a concrete channel marker, ejecting everyone on board. Although there were signs of drinking on the boat, Pino claimed he had only consumed two beers and refused a blood alcohol test. Initially, he faced charges of careless operation of a vessel causing death and serious bodily injury, but prosecutors upgraded the charges after a new witness came forward claiming Pino was impaired.

    Pino's attorney maintains that there was no crime committed and hopes the case will be dismissed. The families of Fernandez and Puig have not commented on the latest developments, but their attorneys have expressed confidence in the upgraded charges. Pino is scheduled to appear back in court on January 8.