DRC Congratulates Howard Srebnick, Mark Shapiro, Edward Armellino, and the Black Srebnick Trial Team on Their Not Guilty Verdict for George Pino
June 23, 2026
NEW YORK, NEW YORK — June 23, 2026 — DRC congratulates its clients, Howard Srebnick, Mark Shapiro, and Edward Armellino of Black Srebnick, on their successful defense of George Pino in State of Florida v. George Pino, Case No. F24-22896 (Fla. 11th Jud. Cir. Ct., Miami-Dade Cnty.). Following an eight-day trial, the jury returned a not guilty verdict in the case.
Pino, a South Florida real estate executive, was charged with manslaughter and vessel homicide arising from a Labor Day 2022 boating accident near Boca Chita Key. Prosecutors alleged that Pino acted recklessly when his 29-foot boat struck a channel marker in the early evening hours of September 4, 2022, causing all passengers to be thrown overboard. Passenger Lucy Fernandez, a friend of Pino’s daughter, was killed in the accident, and another teenager was seriously injured.
The Defense argued throughout the trial that the collision was a tragic accident, not the result of criminal negligence or recklessness. After eight days of testimony, which included witness accounts from young women who were aboard the boat, testimony from Cecilia Pino, and a jury view of the damaged vessel, the jury was given the case on the afternoon of June 22, 2026. It returned a not guilty verdict within one hour.
Howard Srebnick commented on both the verdict and the ongoing grief surrounding the case: “The boat crash was an accident, not a crime. The eyewitness testimony from passengers, Good Samaritans, and first-responders proved that Mr. Pino was not alcohol-impaired, was not speeding, and joined efforts to rescue passengers in the moments after he sustained a traumatic brain injury. We continue to mourn the loss of Lucy Fernandez, pray for those who will forever be affected by this maritime misfortune, and hope that the verdict allows everyone to continue the long process of healing.”
DRC congratulates Howard Srebnick, Mark Shapiro, Edward Armellino, Jake Goldman, Micaela Montero Johnson, Jeanelle Gomez, and Alexa Klein of Black Srebnick on this verdict.
DRC assisted the trial team with jury research and selection.
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DRC has distinguished itself as one of the finest trial strategy and data analysis firms in the nation, specializing in jury selection, demonstrative aids, focus groups, and more. For nearly thirty years, the most prestigious law firms and well-known litigators have trusted DRC to provide the strategic advantage they need to win. By drawing on our vast experience in social psychology, our innovative information design processes, our proven techniques in the area of jury and judge persuasion, and our acclaimed research methodologies, DRC has developed a highly effective and multi-faceted approach to trial consulting that ensures the de-selection of potentially harmful jurors, maximizes the use of technology to facilitate the efficient management and powerful presentation of trial exhibits, employs persuasive demonstrative aids, and utilizes convincing oral arguments. Learn more at drclegal.com.
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