HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (Court TV) — A Florida jury will decide whether Jason Banegas deserves death or life in prison for killing Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino in 2021.
Banegas, now 22, pleaded guilty in October to first-degree murder and other charges on the day his trial was set to begin. He was 18 years old when Chirino was shot and killed as he struggled with Banegas over a gun. Banegas was arrested three weeks later and has been jailed without bond since.
Jason Banegas attends a hearing on October 20, 2025. (Court TV)
Now, a Broward County jury is tasked with deciding whether to recommend a life sentence or death for Banegas. At least 8 of the 12 jurors must agree on a death sentence. Judge Ernest Kollra will have the final say…