A
Miami-Dade judge has reaffirmed the July 14 trial date for George Pino, a real estate mogul accused of felony vessel homicide in a 2022 boating crash that claimed the life of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez. The incident occurred on September 4, 2022, near Boca Chita Key when Pino's 29-foot boat veered out of control and struck a channel marker.

    Prosecutors initially charged Pino with three second-degree misdemeanors but upgraded the charges to homicide after gathering additional witness testimony. Pino's defense attorney emphasized the importance of sticking to the trial schedule, citing concerns that delaying the case could disrupt the school year for student witnesses.

    The investigation into the crash found no evidence suggesting alcohol was a factor, yet Pino declined a voluntary blood draw despite admitting to drinking earlier in the evening. In related news, Pino's wife recently settled a lawsuit with one of the teens injured in the crash, agreeing to pay $16 million to the family.