Bodycam Footage Shows Pino Speaking With Lead FWC Detective

Week 1 of George Pino’s trial ended with jurors watching bodycam footage of Pino speaking with the lead Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission detective after the fatal 2022 boat crash near Boca Chita Key. The testimony focused on Pino’s statements after the crash, his condition, his cooperation with investigators, and what he said about alcohol.

Lead FWC Detective Takes the Stand

The state called Lt. William Thompson, the lead detective for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Thompson testified that he worked the day of the crash and spoke with George Pino three times that night. He said he first spoke with Pino at 6:37 p.m. while on the boat at Elliott Key, then again at 8:18 p.m., and again at 8:59 p.m.

Jurors were shown Thompson’s bodycam footage.

In the video, Pino explained how he traveled through the channel. He said he turned back to see the girls sitting in the front and his wife in the middle before he suddenly hit a wave on the left side of his boat.

Thompson Says Pino Was Cooperative

As the bodycam footage continued, Thompson testified about his interactions with Pino.

He said he was trying to determine where Pino’s boat had come from, whether it had a trailer, and how to get it out of the way of other boats.

Thompson testified that when he spoke with Pino at 8:59 p.m., he had no sense that Pino had committed a federal offense. He described Pino as cooperative, responsive, and easy to understand.

Consent to Search Form Shown to Jurors

The bodycam footage also showed Thompson asking Pino to sit down so he would not fall because of a gash on his head.

Thompson told the court that Pino seemed to express legitimate concern for the other passengers.

Thompson also testified that he asked Pino to sign a consent to search form, and Pino agreed. Prosecutors presented the form to the jury. The video, which was muted at that point, showed Pino going over the paperwork.

At one point while reading Pino his rights, Thompson said he realized his body camera microphone was off and turned it on.

Jurors Hear Pino Say He Had “Two Beers”

After the lunch break, the defense raised concerns about a transcript of the bodycam video that included Pino’s statement that he had “two beers.”

The defense argued that the video did not show the question or context, which could make the statement appear spontaneous.

Once jurors returned to the courtroom, the first part of the bodycam footage was replayed. The prosecutor asked Thompson if any question about alcohol came up, and Thompson said yes.

Jurors were then shown the portion of the bodycam video they had not previously seen, where Pino said he had two beers.

In the footage, Thompson replied, “And it’s not illegal to drink a couple beers and drive.”

Pino also said in the footage that he had been “operating boats forever.”

Defense Cross-Examines Thompson

On cross-examination, the defense focused on Pino’s early statements to Thompson.

Thompson confirmed that during his first interaction with Pino, Pino explained that as he approached the marker, he looked back, saw the girls and his wife, and then realized he had hit the marker.

Pino also recalled that, in the moment, he believed he had hit the left side of the boat.

Thompson confirmed he asked Pino for a written statement detailing what happened, including the speed he was going. That written statement listed the speed as 38 to 39 RPM.

Thompson also testified that during his follow-up investigation, he received a photo from a good Samaritan about three minutes after the crash. He said the photo showed a northbound view of Key Biscayne with no vessels nearby.

Tensions Rise at the End of the Day

In the final moments of the day’s proceedings, tensions rose briefly between the state and Pino.

As the judge gave final instructions, prosecutor Laura Adams told the judge she may have heard the defense making comments such as “It happens sometimes,” and said she hoped the jury did not hear them.

The judge said she did not hear anything.

Adams was then heard asking Pino, “I’m sorry, do you have something you want to say to me? Why are you staring at me?”

Pino responded, “I’m staring up there,” while gesturing above her. “I don’t want to say anything to you.”

The judge interrupted and reminded the courtroom to maintain composure, saying, “We won’t have this.”

Where Week 1 Leaves the Case

Day 5 ended the first week of testimony.

The state used the day to present Pino’s own statements after the crash, including what he said about the channel, the wave, the passengers, alcohol, and his boating experience.

The defense used cross-examination to highlight that Thompson described Pino as cooperative, responsive, easy to understand, and concerned for the other passengers. The defense also brought out that Pino gave an explanation early on, saying he had looked back at the girls and his wife before realizing he had hit the marker.

Testimony will continue next week. The state is expected to call two more witnesses, including the medical examiner and a marine navigational systems expert.