MIAMI — Miami-Dade Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez heard motions for a second day in the vessel homicide case against real estate mogul George Pino, including a motion to toss the case. But she ruled that the trial will go forward.
Besides the motion to dismiss the charges against the 55-year-old altogether, the judge considered Pino’s requests to move the case out of the county and to suppress his statements.
On Thursday, Florida Fish and Wildlife Lt. Billy Thompson took the stand. He was the critical incident commander at the time of the crash that killed 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez.
Defense attorney Howard Srebnick questioned Thompson about whether Pino appeared impaired.
Thompson testified that Pino, then 51, did not.
But the prosecution argued Thompson’s interaction with Pino occurred two hours after the crash.
The case stems from a Labor Day weekend boating crash in 2022, when Pino was operating a boat carrying his wife, teenage daughter and several of her friends.
Investigators said the boat struck a channel marker in waters near Boca Chita Key, throwing passengers into the water, killing Fernandez.
Investigators reported finding dozens of empty alcohol containers on board and said Pino was seen on video stating he had two beers that day.
Tinkler Mendez ultimately denied the defense’s motion to dismiss the charges. She also denied the motion to change venues.
She said she plans to rule on the evidence suppression motion on Monday.
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