G
eorge Pino, a prominent real estate broker, surrendered to police on Thursday after being charged with felony vessel homicide related to a boating accident that occurred over two years ago. He had been ordered by a Miami-Dade County judge to surrender by November 21st. In court, prosecutors agreed to release him on his own recognizance.

    Pino was behind the wheel of a 29-foot boat when he lost control and crashed into a channel marker near Boca Chita Key in September 2022, killing 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and seriously injuring two others. The incident occurred while Pino's family and friends were celebrating his youngest daughter's birthday on Elliot Key.

    Pino initially claimed to have lost control of the vessel after hitting a wave, but investigators reported that they did not believe alcohol was a factor. However, Pino had admitted to drinking two beers earlier in the evening and declined a voluntary blood draw. In May, Pino's wife was ordered to pay $16 million to the family of one of the injured victims as part of a lawsuit settlement.

    Pino's attorney stated that he hopes the state attorney will understand that the incident was an accident and not intentional. The victim's family expressed their grief and said they would give up their lives to bring Lucy back if possible. If found guilty, Pino could face up to 15 years in prison.