Jurors could step aboard developer's boat linked to deadly 2022 Boca Chita crash

Miami-Dade prosecutors are seeking to allow jurors to view the damaged 29-foot Robalo boat involved in the 2022 Boca Chita Key crash to better understand its size and impact. George Pino, a prominent Miami real estate developer, faces second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide charges for operating the vessel recklessly. The Sept. 4, 2022 crash killed 17-year-old Luciana Fernandez and left 18-year-old Katerina Puig permanently disabled when the vessel struck a channel marker near Boca Chita Key. An initial report noted more than 61 empty alcohol bottles aboard; a later FWC finding said Pino showed no impairment when officers responded. Jurors could be taken to the FWC location housing the damaged boat to gauge its size and visibility. Defense lawyers objected to showing the damaged vessel and urged an undamaged exemplar instead. They also asked to move the trial from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach or Orange County, citing unfair media attention. A Wednesday hearing will address motions, including a request to dismiss or reduce vessel homicide; Pino has pleaded not guilty.