FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The death penalty phase is now underway for a 22-year-old man who pleaded guilty to shooting and killing a Hollywood police officer in 2021.

Jason Banegas, then 18, shot and killed Officer Yandy Chirino, 28, on Oct. 17, 2021 as he responded to a suspicious person call in the 4000 block of North Hills Drive.

In Broward County court on Tuesday, prosecutors played surveillance video from when Chirino’s best friend, Detective Manuel Rodriguez-Blevins, found Chirino fighting with Banegas.

Another clip showed an officer falling to his knees, throwing his hat and crying hysterically.

Rodriguez-Blevins couldn’t stop crying when asked about his best friend.

Banegas sat stone cold in the courtroom as the video played, showing no emotion.

His defense was set to present its case later on Tuesday afternoon.

Prosecutors play emotional video in death penalty phase for Hollywood police officer’s killer

About The Author

Jolena Esperto