Jurors See Bodycam Footage and Cecilia Pino Testifies

Day 3 of George Pino’s trial centered on first-responder video from the crash scene, the upcoming jury viewing of the boat, and testimony from law enforcement witnesses, a maritime attorney, and Pino’s wife, Cecilia Pino. The judge also ruled that jurors could see video of Lucy Fernandez being transferred for emergency medical care after the crash.

Judge Allows Video of Lucy’s Emergency Transfer

One of the key rulings of the day came when the defense objected to video of Lucy Fernandez being transferred after the crash.

The defense argued that the videos were too graphic to be shown and that people in the courtroom would be affected by them. The judge ruled that the videos were relevant to the jury’s understanding of the case.

The judge also said anyone who could not handle seeing the video would be allowed to leave the courtroom.

Before jurors saw the video, a responding officer testified that the footage came from his body-worn camera. He described the scene after the crash as chaotic, with first responders trying to assess injuries, move passengers, and get Lucy Fernandez to emergency medical care.

Jurors then saw video showing officers responding to a smaller boat where CPR was being performed. Lucy was placed on a backboard, transferred to a larger and faster boat, brought to where she would be transported by helicopter, and loaded into the helicopter to be airlifted to the hospital.

Pino Waives Right to Attend Boat Viewing

Before testimony got underway, George Pino waived his right to be present when jurors view the boat involved in the crash.

Jurors are expected to have the chance to see the vessel during trial. The boat viewing could help jurors understand the layout of the boat, the location of passengers, and the physical evidence connected to the crash.

Robert Brutto Returns to the Stand

Robert Brutto, a retired Miami-Dade Marine Patrol officer, returned to the stand after beginning his testimony on Day 2.

Jurors watched bodycam video from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials who responded after the Labor Day weekend crash near Boca Chita Key.

In the video, Brutto is heard asking, “Did anybody here witness what happened?”

Brutto testified that when he arrived, he saw Pino and two girls on a good Samaritan’s boat who needed immediate medical attention. Prosecutors also asked him about Lucy Fernandez being taken from the scene.

“The female that you said was taken off of the other boat, are you referring to Lucy?” the prosecutor asked.

“Lucy? Yes,” Brutto said.

Lucy was taken to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where she later died.

Maritime Attorney Testifies About Civil Case

After lunch, the state called Andrew Mescolotto, a maritime attorney with about 20 years of experience.

Mescolotto testified that he was retained by the Pinos after they were sued by the Puig family.

Katy Puig’s parents had sued George Pino and his wife, pointing to alcohol on board the boat. A settlement was reached with the Puig family for $16 million on behalf of Cecilia Pino and an undisclosed amount from George Pino.

Cecilia Pino Testifies

Cecilia Pino, George Pino’s wife, also took the stand.

The state showed her photographs of a bottle of Chambord and a bottle of prosecco that were on board the boat.

Cecilia was asked whether Lucy Fernandez died because her husband crashed into the channel marker. She answered that Lucy died because of an accident.

The defense did not cross-examine her.

Detectives Describe the Scene After the Crash

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Detective Peter Delgado testified before the final witness of the day.

Delgado described what he saw when he arrived at the scene after the crash. He said Pino was someone who needed to be treated and did not appear incapable of responding to requests.

The last witness of the day was Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Detective John Dalton.

Dalton testified that when he arrived, he saw U.S. Coast Guard and Ocean Reef vessels tied together. He said he was the last to arrive and pulled on the end of the chain to control movement.

Dalton also testified that the girls on board the boat that crashed had minor injuries. He said everyone was given a life vest and taken to Elliott Key.

Where Day 3 Leaves the Case

Day 3 gave jurors a closer look at the emergency response after the crash and the evidence surrounding the boat, the passengers, and Pino’s condition at the scene.

The prosecution used bodycam footage and first-responder testimony to show what happened in the immediate aftermath. The defense challenged the use of graphic video and continued to frame the crash as an accident, including through Cecilia Pino’s testimony.

Testimony will continue on Day 4.