FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Jason Banegas, accused of killing Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino in 2021, appeared in court Monday as his murder trial approaches.
Banegas, now 22, was 18 when he allegedly shot Chirino during a struggle while the officer responded to a report of car break-ins.
Investigators say Banegas was armed with a stolen gun and later confessed, claiming he meant to shoot himself.
In court, defense attorneys argued several pretrial motions, including requests to separate charges and limit certain evidence. A judge ruled that the jury will be death-qualified, meaning it may consider the death penalty if Banegas is convicted.
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