Prosecutors Didn’t Talk to Eyewitness Before Filing Misdemeanor Charges in Deadly Boat Crash
In a troubling oversight, prosecutors and police from the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office failed to interview a crucial eyewitness before filing misdemeanor charges against George Pino, the captain involved in a tragic boat crash that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl and severe injuries to another. This incident, which occurred on September 4, 2022, has raised serious questions about the investigation's integrity and the handling of eyewitness accounts.
The Incident
On a calm Sunday evening, Pino, a 53-year-old Doral real estate broker, was piloting his 29-foot Robalo center console boat when he crashed into a concrete channel marker at 47 mph. Pino claimed that another boat caused him to collide with the marker, a defense that was contradicted by Thomas Watson, an off-duty yacht captain who witnessed the crash. Watson, who was two boats behind Pino, reported seeing no other vessels involved in the incident.
Eyewitness Testimony Ignored
Despite being one of the first on the scene, Watson and his wife were not contacted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or the State Attorney’s Office for a formal statement before charges were filed against Pino. Watson expressed his surprise at the lack of follow-up, stating, “We were sitting around for a while waiting for the phone to ring from someone. It was weird.”
The collision not only claimed the life of Luciana ‘Lucy’ Fernandez but also left her friend Katerina Puig with life-altering injuries. The incident occurred during a birthday celebration for Cecilia Pino, George Pino’s daughter, making the tragedy even more poignant for the families involved.
Evidence and Investigation Lapses
Witness accounts, including those from passengers on Pino’s boat, indicated that he did not attempt any evasive maneuvers before the crash. Furthermore, GPS data from Pino’s boat corroborated these statements, showing no sudden changes in direction leading up to the collision. In a shocking discovery, investigators found over 60 empty alcohol containers on Pino’s boat the day after the crash, yet they ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor, citing Pino’s claim of having consumed only two beers.
The FWC’s failure to follow up with key witnesses like Watson has been criticized by legal experts. Richard Klugh, a Miami criminal defense attorney, remarked, “This is obviously something far out of the norm... For them to not follow up with him not only raises concern, it’s striking.”
Calls for Reopening the Case
In light of the new information, attorney Joel Denaro, representing the Fernandez family, is urging the State Attorney’s Office to reopen the investigation. He argues that Pino’s claims about another boat contributing to the crash are unfounded and may constitute obstruction of justice. The Fernandez family seeks closure and accountability, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of all evidence, including footage from a nearby migrant-tracking camera that reportedly confirms no other boats were present.
Conclusion
The failure to interview a key eyewitness before filing charges in this tragic case highlights significant lapses in the investigative process. As the Fernandez family continues to seek justice for Lucy, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office faces mounting pressure to ensure that all evidence is thoroughly reviewed and that accountability is upheld. The community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that honors the memory of those affected by this devastating incident.