Did brain damage cloud George Pino’s recollection of his involvement in a 2022 boat crash that killed a teenage girl?
An expert witness’ evaluation of Pino’s injuries may be integral to his defense as the Doral-based broker prepares to go to trial on manslaughter and vessel homicide charges in the death of 17-year-old Luciana “Lucy” Fernandez.
Boca Raton neurologist Dr. Diana Barrat examined Pino to determine if he suffered a traumatic brain injury that caused him to have amnesia and “false memories regarding the details of the accident,” the Miami Herald reported.
Barrat, who is expected to be called as a defense expert witness, authored an 18-page report about Pino’s evaluation that was submitted to prosecutors at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. Her findings, which were heavily redacted, shows Pino’s legal team may plan on presenting evidence that he suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the 2022 Labor Day weekend crash.
Pino’s attorneys did not respond to the outlet’s request for comment on the document.
Pino, president of Doral-based State Street Realty, piloted his 29-foot Robalo boat when it crashed into a concrete channel marker and capsized near the Florida Keys. His wife, Cecilia Pino, his daughter and 11 other teenage girls were aboard the vessel. Fernandez died and another teen, Katerina “Katy” Puig, suffered brain injuries.
Pino, 55, told investigators that a larger boat threw a wake and caused him to lose control of his vessel. He is facing a maximum of 15 years in prison.
In 2023, Puig’s parents sued Pino and his wife for allegedly permanently disabling their daughter. The complaint alleges that Pino refused blood and breathalyzer tests after the accident, and that the couple served the teenagers alcohol that “caused and/or contributed to cause” their daughter’s injuries.
— Francisco Alvarado
