An expert witness’s evaluation of George Pino’s injuries may play a key role in his upcoming trial on manslaughter and vessel homicide charges related to a 2022 boat crash that killed 17-year-old Luciana “Lucy” Fernandez, according to a March 18 report.
The case centers on whether Pino, a Doral-based real estate broker, suffered brain damage that could have affected his memory of the incident. The outcome could influence the legal proceedings as Pino faces serious charges and potential prison time.
Boca Raton neurologist Dr. Diana Barrat examined Pino to determine if he experienced a traumatic brain injury resulting in amnesia and “false memories regarding the details of the accident,” according to reporting by the Miami Herald. Barrat is expected to testify as an expert witness for the defense and has authored an 18-page report about her evaluation, which was submitted to prosecutors at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. While much of her findings were redacted, they suggest that Pino’s legal team may present evidence of brain injury from the Labor Day weekend crash.
Pino was piloting his 29-foot Robalo boat near the Florida Keys when it struck a concrete channel marker and capsized. His wife, daughter, and eleven other teenage girls were also on board. Fernandez died in the accident, while another teen, Katerina “Katy” Puig, suffered brain injuries. Investigators said Pino claimed that a larger boat created a wake causing him to lose control. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
In addition to criminal charges, Puig’s parents filed a lawsuit against Pino and his wife in 2023 alleging their daughter was permanently disabled by the crash. The complaint claims that Pino refused blood and breathalyzer tests after the incident and alleges that alcohol served by the couple contributed to their daughter’s injuries.
The trial is expected to focus on both medical evidence regarding Pino’s mental state after the crash and questions about responsibility for serving alcohol aboard.
