Lucy Fernandez’s Father Testifies as the State Begins Calling Witnesses

The second day of George Pino’s trial moved from opening statements into testimony, beginning with Lucy Fernandez’s father and continuing through passengers, a civil attorney, an event employee, an aftermath witness, and a retired marine patrol officer. Jurors also saw video from the boat showing high school teens singing and dancing to “Uptown Girl” while holding drinks.

Defense Finishes Opening Statement

Day 2 began with the defense resuming its opening statement after court ended early on Day 1.

The defense told jurors that Pino suffered a concussion and traumatic brain injury after the crash and was disoriented, but was still trying to help. The defense’s position remains that the crash was a tragic accident, not a crime.

Pino, who appeared to have an emotional breakdown during the first day of opening arguments, kept his composure during Day 2, though he was seen at times breathing heavily.

Before testimony began, the judge also addressed an issue involving Pino’s family and friends hugging him during sidebars. The judge warned that anyone involved in that conduct could be removed if it happened again, saying, “This is not a sports bar or social event.”

Judge Allows Two Hospital Photos

Before the first witness took the stand, attorneys argued over whether jurors should be allowed to see photos of Lucy Fernandez after the crash.

The judge ruled that two hospital photos would be allowed during trial. Later in the day, bodycam footage showing injuries was played, and the defense argued about whether it was relevant and should be admitted as evidence. The families remained in court as that material was shown.

Andres Fernandez Describes Searching for His Daughter

The state’s first witness was Andres Fernandez, Lucy Fernandez’s father.

His testimony gave jurors the first family perspective of the trial. He described the morning of the crash and the moment he was told that Lucy had been involved in a boat crash shortly after she had hugged him goodbye.

Andres said he and his wife went to multiple hospitals trying to find their daughter. His testimony became emotional at times as he described seeing Lucy at the hospital.

He said he tried to remove fiberglass from her head, but was told not to touch it because it was part of the evidence.

“Our daughter is now evidence,” Andres said.

On cross-examination, the defense brought out that Andres had known Pino for many years. Andres also said he was not concerned that Pino had been drinking a beer and felt Pino could operate the boat without being impaired.

Camila Alvarez Testifies About the Crash

The next witness was Camila Alvarez, a 21-year-old law student who was on the boat and was friends with Lucy.

Alvarez described the moments of the crash. She testified that there was a jolt, then the boat capsized. She said she saw the boat hit the channel marker, girls being ejected, and one girl covered in blood. She also remembered someone asking where Lucy was.

Alvarez said her father came to get her after the crash. She also testified that she saw Pino passed out and thought he had died.

On cross-examination, the defense asked Alvarez whether she felt safe on the boat. She said yes. She also said she trusted Pino while he was driving.

Carolina Monterrey Describes Seating on the Boat

After lunch, Carolina Monterrey took the stand.

She testified that Lucy Fernandez and Katy Puig were close friends. Monterrey also described switching seats with Lucy before the crash. She said she asked to switch because she was always afraid of boats and wanted to move toward the center.

That testimony gave jurors more detail about where people were seated before the impact and how the teens were positioned on the vessel.

Civil Discovery and Birthday Event Planning

Civil attorney Brent Reitman testified next.

Reitman told jurors he sent the Pinos an interrogatory, which is part of the discovery process in a civil case. He said George Pino provided answers that were signed by him.

A former Ocean Reef Club employee also testified. She worked with the Pino family to coordinate their daughter’s 18th birthday event, which was supposed to happen at the club the night of the crash.

Jurors also saw video from the boat showing a group of high school teens singing and dancing to “Uptown Girl” while holding drinks.

Hilary Canela Testifies About the Aftermath

Hilary Canela, who knew Lucy’s family through a parish community, testified about seeing the capsized boat after the crash.

Canela said he saw Pino, who appeared to be in a state of shock. He testified that he yelled at Pino twice to search under the boat for Lucy.

According to Canela, when Pino finally searched under the boat, he came back with Lucy.

Canela also testified that after Lucy was taken away by another boat, he saw Katy Puig unconscious on the platform. He recognized her as Rudy Puig’s daughter and called him to tell him what had happened.

Retired Marine Patrol Officer Begins Testimony

The final witness of the day was Robert Brutto, a retired officer with the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Marine Patrol Unit.

Brutto testified that conditions were clear on the day of the crash. His testimony was not completed before court ended, and the judge broke for the evening. His testimony is expected to continue on Day 3.

Where Day 2 Leaves the Case

Day 2 gave jurors the first testimony from people connected to the crash, including Lucy’s father, passengers who were on the boat, and a witness who saw the aftermath.

The prosecution used the day to begin grounding the case in the human loss, the passenger experience, and the condition of the scene after impact. The defense used cross-examination to emphasize Pino’s relationship with Lucy’s family, that at least one passenger felt safe on the boat, and that Lucy’s father did not believe Pino was impaired after seeing him drink a beer.

Testimony will continue Wednesday with retired Marine Patrol officer Robert Brutto back on the stand.