A Miami-Dade County jury acquitted Florida real estate broker George Pino on Monday of charges related to a 2022 boating accident that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl. The 55-year-old Pino was found not guilty of felony second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide after approximately two hours of deliberation.

The incident occurred on September 4, 2022, in Biscayne Bay, when Pino’s 29-foot boat struck a channel marker at an estimated speed of 47 miles per hour. The collision caused a large breach in the vessel, throwing all passengers into the water. Pino was hosting a group of teenagers for his daughter Carolina’s 18th birthday celebration at the time.

Among those on board were Pino’s wife, Cecilia, and 12 teenage girls. Eleven people sustained injuries, and six required hospitalization. Luciana “Lucy” Fernandez, 17, was trapped under the boat following the crash and later died in the hospital from drowning-related injuries about 12 hours after the incident. Another teenager, then 18 years old, suffered permanent and severe injuries.

The prosecution argued that Pino's speed and handling of the boat contributed directly to the fatal accident. The defense, however, maintained that Pino was not criminally responsible for the crash. After hearing the evidence, the jury concluded there was insufficient proof to convict Pino on the charges.

The case has drawn considerable attention due to Pino’s prominence in the local real estate industry and the tragic outcome of the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the specifics of the incident, but the verdict marks a legal closure to this prosecution.