The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Florida Attorney General's Office revealed chilling details on Wednesday about the alleged plot by Cuban-American businessman Sergio Pino to murder his wife, Tatiana Pino, amid a turbulent divorce process she initiated in April 2022. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe disclosed the investigation's findings during a press conference, which culminated in Sergio Pino's suicide on Tuesday morning at his oceanfront mansion in Coral Gables as the FBI attempted to execute a search warrant and serve him with a judicial order related to the attempted murder accusations.
"This case is about a husband, Mr. Pino, who decided after years of marriage that he was going to kill his wife," Lapointe began his harrowing explanation to the press. He revealed that the plan had been in motion for over two years, with Pino aiming to eliminate his wife before the divorce was finalized to retain his entire fortune.
According to Lapointe, Pino hired two separate teams to carry out the assassination. A total of nine people have been arrested in connection with the case, and four have already been formally charged. Among the second group, which had received payment for their services, is Fausto Villar, a convicted criminal who worked as a roofer for Pino and has already been charged. Another implicated individual is Bayron Bennent, a helper on one of Pino's yachts, who is accused of obtaining fentanyl that Pino allegedly used in an attempt to poison his wife.
Reports indicate that one of the teams was instructed to execute the murder before the next divorce hearing, with a promise of a $150,000 bonus if they succeeded in preventing the crime from being linked to the real estate developer. The conspirators employed several failed methods, including an attempt to poison Tatiana with fentanyl, various forms of harassment, and a thwarted attempt to run her over with a rented truck.
The climax of the plot came in June of this year when a group of hitmen followed Tatiana to her home, where one attempted to shoot her unsuccessfully. Subsequently, the couple's adult daughter was threatened with a gun, but the attacker refrained from firing as Tatiana was the primary target.
The investigation, involving the FBI and local police, uncovered that Pino had agreed to pay an exorbitant sum of $300,000, delivered in two installments, for his wife's murder. Authorities reported finding evidence that part of the money had been transferred, though they did not disclose details about the senders or recipients.
The Tragic Outcome and Ongoing Investigation
The tragic conclusion occurred on Tuesday as FBI agents moved to arrest Sergio Pino at his residence. Facing imminent detention, Pino took his own life by shooting himself in a bedroom of his home after the SWAT team knocked on the door and eventually entered the residence.
Sam Rabin, one of Sergio Pino's attorneys, harshly criticized the police operation. "The level of police activity at his residence was unprecedented and unnecessary, especially since we had offered to surrender him multiple times if needed," Rabin stated. He added that the events of Tuesday mark a very tragic end to an investigation they were confident they could successfully defend against. "There were many rumors and accusations, but what was lacking was evidence of wrongdoing by Mr. Pino," he claimed.
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing to clarify all details and bring the responsible parties to justice.
Sergio Pino's Case: Key Questions and Answers
Given the complexity and high-profile nature of this case, several questions have emerged. Here are some key points about the investigation and its implications.
What led to the investigation into Sergio Pino?
The investigation was initiated after Tatiana Pino filed for divorce in April 2022, revealing a suspected plot by Sergio Pino to murder her and retain his entire fortune.
Who are the key individuals involved in the plot?
Key individuals include Sergio Pino, Fausto Villar, Bayron Bennent, and the nine people arrested in connection with the case.
How did the plot unfold?
The plot involved multiple failed attempts including poisoning, harassment, and an attempted shooting, all coordinated over more than two years.
What was the final outcome for Sergio Pino?
Sergio Pino committed suicide on Tuesday morning at his Coral Gables mansion as FBI agents attempted to arrest him.