The trial against the prominent South Florida developer who was driving a boat during a deadly crash in 2022 is set to begin on Monday.
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It comes after another long day of arguing various motions, including what should and shouldn’t be admitted at trial.
George Pino is facing second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide charges for the 2022 crash that claimed the life of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and left another teen, Katy Puig, with permanent injuries.
Pino was at the helm of the 29-foot vessel with 14 people on board when he crashed into a channel marker.
On Thursday, one of the big motions filed by the defense to dismiss the case was denied, with the judge saying that at this point, there are issues in this case that a jury needs to decide on.
The day began with the cross-examination of the Florida Fish and Wildlife officer who initially responded to the crash and wrote a 24-page report on it. He will be a central figure in the case.
Then a slew of motions were discussed with both sides sparring over what should and shouldn’t be admitted into trial, such as autopsy photos of Fernandez and whether the jury should hear about the issue of underage drinking that day.
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The state also submitted a motion for future jurors to view the 29-foot boat along with the damage.
The defense argues it shouldn’t be allowed because it’s unnecessary and prejudicial, but the judge disagreed, saying she’d be inclined to allow jurors to view as long as there are limited parameters.
The state argued that the boat, which is with the FWC, should not be moved because it’s heavily damaged and it could be further compromised if it’s moved.
The judge also denied a motion by the defense to try the case in another court because of the heavy media attention in South Florida.
The judge believes both sides will be able to find jurors from a pool of 400 who are expected to be screened starting on Monday, which is when the trial is also expected to begin.
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