Overview
- The captain’s defense, which Miami outlets reported Tuesday, is negotiating a guilty plea to avoid a jury trial.
- Details of any deal and a possible sentence remain sealed, with a court update expected July 21.
- The July 28, 2025 collision near the Port of Miami killed three children in a summer sailing program and injured others.
- Prosecutors say the captain used a cellphone and the barge lacked visibility aids such as cameras or radar, while toxicology tests were negative.
- After a U.S. Coast Guard investigation, the case was referred to the Justice Department under negligent-homicide theories tied to the towing operation.