FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The death penalty phase for the man who pled guilty to killing a Hollywood police officer continued on Thursday.

There were emotional statements made by family members of Officer Yandy Chirino that brought the courtroom to tears.

Their testimony wrapped much sooner than expected.

Chirino responded to a call of “a suspicious person checking for unlocked cars” at about 10:30 p.m., on Oct. 17, 2021, on the 4000 block of North Hills Drive.

He was shot by Jason Banegas while resisting arrest, according to police.

During Thursday’s hearing, Chirino’s mother, father, and sister were too overcome with emotion to speak.

The court also heard from Banegas’ girlfriend, who described the trauma of the night of the shooting.

A statement from Chirinos sister Yaily Chirino was read aloud, describing how family moments that were once joyful now “carry an emptiness that overshadows everything.”

The statement read, in part:

“What happened to my brother did not just end his life, it fractured ours. A change who we are as individuals and as a family. A soul from us, a son, a brother, an uncle, and a remarkable human being who deserve to live, to grow and to continue serving the community he cares so deeply about.”

Following that testimony, defense attorneys said they needed more time before calling their own witnesses, so the jury was dismissed early.

Court will be resume on Monday.

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